
BIRDS-EYE VIEWS 
Of East Douglas and Douglas Centre. 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



TOWN OF DOUGLAS, 

(MASSACHUSETTS,) 



From the Earliest Period to the Close of 1878. 



BY WM. A. EMERSON. 






If- 






BOSTON : 

Published by Frank W. Bird, 

OLD BOOK SHOP, 
.37 CoRNHiLL, 32 Brattle Street, and Cornhill Steps, 

1879. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by 

"Wm. a. Emerson, 

In the Clerk's oflSce, District of Massachusetts. 



J. A. & R. A. Reid, Printers, Providence, R. I. 



TO 



THE MEMORY OF 

(pig (mot^tx, 

MARIA W. EMERSON, 

WITHOUT WHOSE LOVING ENCOURAGEMENT THIS WORK WOULD NOT 
HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN. 



INTRODUCTION 




N a certain sense it may be said that all men are his- 
torians, and great lovers of history too ; and that 
a talent for this is a sort of inherent element in 
man's intellectual constitution. Is not the brain 
of every individual crowded quite full with the his- 
toric incidents, great and small, which go to make 
up the vast aggregate of human experiences ? Our 
very speech, too, is curiously historical. How many 
there are who only speak to narrate, which is only to historize ? 
As men are always fond of telling what they have done, or seen, 
or heard, curiosity is so natural that all such historians are sure to 
be listened to. Thomas Carlyle tersely puts it in this way : " AV^e 
do little but to enact historj-, and we say little but to recite it ; 
and so historj^ is but the essence of innumerable biographies." 

Those who have never written or assisted in writing a histor- 
ical work of any kind, even of a less miscellaneous character than 
a town history necessarily is, are not aware of the extent and va- 
riety of the labor requisite in its preparation. In collecting the 
material which has been wrought into the present volume the pub- 
lic libraries of Boston, Worcester, and Providence have been 
placed under contribution for all they contained that could throw 



Z HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

light upon the early histoiy of the town ; the records of Douglas, 
Sherborn, and other places, man}' of these being diflicult to col- 
late, have been examined ; ancient manuscripts, deeds, private 
writings, yellow and worn with age, and other authentic docu- 
ments have been sought for in all directions ; histories of other 
towns have been consulted, dr^^ family genealogies compared, the 
recollections of the aged snatched from forgetfulness, and the 
whole mass compared, rearranged, and verified, that the work 
might be as correct as care and industrj' could make it. 

The publisher desires to express his thanks to all those who 
have contributed to lighten his labors in the compilation of the 
work, and begs leave to refer in a special manner to Rev. E. A. 
Maknikg, whose experience as a writer made him an invaluable 
assistant in the work of reducing the material from a crude state 
to its present attractive form and arrangement. Also to William 
H. Briggs, Esq., George W. Spencer, Edwin Moore, Aaron M. 
Hill, Rev. William T. Briggs, Rev. W. W. Dow, Ira Wallis, Jus- 
tin B. Whipple, A. F. Brown, Esq., and Joseph Hunt, who have 
in various ways rendered him most valuable service. 

For many of the historical facts obtained he feels under great 
obligation to the American Antiquarian Society of Worcester, to 
whose extensive repository of buried learning he has had constant 
access, through the kindness of the Librarian, S. F. Haven, Esq., 
as well as to the courteous Assistant Librarian, Mr. Edmund Bar- 
ton, without whose valuable aid the historical worth of the work 
would have been much diminished. 

For statistics relating to the war of the rebellion he has relied 
chiefly upon the reports of Adjutant-General Schouler, and the 
statements of soldiers who participated in the struggle. 

He is also indebted to Samuel Elias Staples, Esq., President of 
the AVorcester Society of Antiquity, and to Professor Homer B. 
Sprague of Boston, for the interest they have shown and for infor- 
mation furnished. 



INTRODUCTION. 6 

In conclusion, he desires to express his gratification at the sat- 
isfactory manner in which the typographical and mechanical part 
of the work has been executed by Messrs. J. A. & R. A, Reid, of 
Providence, R. I., and also to express his appreciation of the in- 
terest they have shown in making this volume in every possible 
way satisfactory. 

With this brief apology for our work, we commend it to all 
those who can appreciate the past in the corporate career of our 
town, as having a just and honored claim upon at least the re- 
spectful regards of the present ; and to all as a most impressive 
illustration in detail of the capabilities of our common but bur- 
dened humanity, under the wholesome inspiration of free institu- 
tions based upon religion and learning, without which they gravi- 
tate inevitabl}' to unthrift and barbarism. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

First Occupation of the Town. —When the Town Was First 
Named — The First White Settlers Chiefly from Sherborn — 
Prior Abuse of the Territory by Otlier Towns — Historic As- 
sociations of the Name — Reason for Its Adoption — Original 
Boundaries of tlie Douglas Donation — Dr. Jennison's Desire to 
Change the Name — Present Area and Bounds— Geological and 
General Formation — Reference to Purgatory — Lakes and 
Ponds — Connection with Indian History — Their Kindly Rela- 
tions to the Whites — John Eliot and the Praying Indians — 
Population by Decades Since 1790, and Desirableness of Douglas 
as a Summer Resort — Union Evangelical Camp Ground 

Pages 17-24 

CHAPTER II. 

Feosi 1746 TO Allotment of Sheijborn New Grant. — Scarcity 
of Early Records — Sherborn Records Show Douglas Colonized 
by Inhabitants of that Town — Territory Originally Granted in 
Consideration of Eand and Families Set Off from Sherborn to 
Framingham — Action of Sherborn Town-meeting Thereon 
Names of Committee to Apportion the Territory — Their Re- 
ward for Services — Territory of the Draper and Murdish Fam- 
ilies set off to Uxbridge — Purchase of Dr. William Douglas — 
Titles Fixed by Lot — Number of Original Proprietors —The 
Morse Family — New Grant of 3,000 Acres to Twenty Proprie- 
tors — Ministerial Grant — Grant of the Boston Men's Farm, or 
Wallum Pond — Grant and Gratuity to Governor Bradstreet's 
Son — Names of Early Settlers — Gratuity to Ephraim Hill, as 
First Settler — Town Action on Report of Committee on Lay- 
ing Out the Land " . . Pages 25-30 

CHAPTER III. 

Allotment of Otiieb Grants. — Names of Original Proprietors, 
and Numbers of their Allotment — Diagram of the Plan of 



b HISTORY OP DOUGLAS, 

Allotment of the Slierboni New Gi-ant — Eeport of Commit- 
tee on Surveying — Generosity of one Proprietor — Special 
Grant to First Settler — Xew Grant of 4,000 Acres from the 
State, and How Disposed of by Order of Town-meeting — In- 
habitants of Towns of Holliston Included in the Grant — Lists 
of Proprietors and Numbers of New Allotments . Pages 32-39 

CHAPTER IV. 

From 1735-1754. — Town-meeting in Holliston — An Agent Ap- 
pointed to Protect Holliston Proprietors' Rights — Trespassers 
to Be Looked After — Arrangements to Settle with Trespassers, 
and for Establishing Regular Preaching — Land Appropriation 
for a School and School-house — Committee to Adjust Bounda- 
ries with Other Towns and Proprietors — Agents to Prosecute 
Trespassers on Cedar Swamp Lands — Provision for Transcribing ; 
the Proprietors' Records — Earliest Records Extant of Douglas 
Town-meeting — A Sutton Farm Annexed to Douglas — Meas- 
ures Adopted for Laying Out Roads, and Appropriations There- 
for — List of Legal Voters in 1748 — How the Elective Fran- 
chise Was Then Regarded and Guarded — School Provisions — 
Verbatim Cojiy of Town Vote — First Meeting-house — Town- 
meeting Warrants Jealously Criticised — Dispute Thereon Be- 
tween the Town and Captain Hill Settled by General Court — 
School for Six jVlonths — Deficiency in Rev. Mr. Phipp's Salary 
— Width of Highways — Refusal to Raise Minister's Salary — 
Sexton's Pay — Price of Indian Corn — Demand on Dr. Doug- 
las for His Prom'ised Donation — Rank and Duties of Tithing-men 

Pages 41-53 

CHAPTER V. 

From 1754-1791. — Pleasanter Aspect of Negotiations with Rev. 
Mr. Phipps on the Salary Question — Queer Settlement Between 
Him and the Town Treasurer — Grant for Schools — Tax on 
Distilled Spirits, and the Comparatively Small Amount Con- 
sumed in Town — Five Schools Ordered to be Established — Pe- 
tition for a Lottery to Repair the Road — Burying Ground 
Fenced — Plow Counterfeit Money Used to be Disposed Of — 
How the "Bulls" and "Bears" Were Viewed in 1780 — Main 
Street When it Had a ToH gate — Transportation Business in 
1812. and How the Teamsters' Army Managed — Paul Dudley's 
Tavern at Nightfall — The Old Brick Tavern on the Caleb Hill 
Place Described, with Fac Simile of the Old Sign — Rendezvous 
of Voters, and the Sympathizers with the Shays Rebellion — 
The Old Providence and Douglas Turnpike in 1808 — The Old 
Coffee-house — Names of the Families Living on the Turnpike 
in 1814 — Site of the Old Distillery — State and Town Officers 
Obliged to Abjure the King and Queen of England — Bridge over 



CONTENTS. 7 

Mumford River — Voted Not to Permit Inoculation to Prevent 
Sniall-pox Spreading — Terrible Ravages of this Disease — Voted 
to " Color " the Meeting-house — Map of Town Ordered — First 
Representative in Congress from Douglas — Letter from Him 
to tlie Town — Accoimt of Town Treasurer in 1791 . Pagus 54-6& 

CHAPTER VI. 

I 

Wau of the Revolution. — Greatness of the Struggle Necessi- 
tated by the Revolutionary War — Grandeur of tlie Result — 
Fatality Attending all Prior Efforts for Governmental Organiza- 
tion in America by Spain, Portugal, the Cabots, V^errazzano, Fer- 
dinand de Soto, etc., etc. — Patriotic Stand of Douglas During 
the Struggle, Both in Militar^and Civil Relations — Committee 
of Conference with Other Towns — Sam' 1 Jenni.son's Valuable 
Services — How the Judges Capitulated — Clerk of Court Sum- * 
moned Before Convention at Worcester — Removal of the Of- 
fice of the Mdssachuftetts Siyy from Boston to Worcester — 
Douglas Represented in the Provincial Congress at Salem in 1774 
— Peremptory Message to the British Governor Gage — Salem's 
Most Efficient Action in Capturing British Vessels — Endorse- 
ment of Mr. Jennison by the Town .... Pagks 66-72 

CHAPTER VII. 

Revolutionauy Wah — Continued. — Culmination of Excitement 
Against the King in Boston — Douglas People Eager for the 
Fight — Town Affairs Put on a War Footing — Minute-men Ap- 
pointed and Invited to Accei^t Pay — Ammunition and Arms 
Freely Contributed — Sharing the Pecuniary Burdens of the 
Oppressed Patriots in Boston — Twenty-two of the Refugees 
Received in Douglas — Prisoners Guarded by the Douglas Vet- 
eran, Captain Hill — After the Battle of Lexington tlie Soldiers' 
Families Supported by the Town — Vigilance Committee to At- 
tend to Suspicious Persons — Contributions by the Town for 
the Sappers and Miners in the Army — More than £70,000, Ex- 
clusive of Bounties and Indirect Expenses, Contributed by the 
Town — Its Quota Filled Every Time . . . Pages 73-77 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Revolutionary Wak — Continued. — Prominence of Douglas in 
Formation of State Government — Copy of Dr. Jennison's Draft 
of Call for State Convention — Troubles Arising from the De- 
pressed Condition of the Finances — How the Town Proposed 
a Remedy — Formal Petition to the Legislature — Causes of the 
General Dissatisfaction Set Forth — The Famous "Shays Rebel- 
lion," and What Connection the Town Had With it — Vote of 
the Town in the Succeeding Gubernatorial Election — Vote of 
the Town on Accepting the State Constitution, and Some 
Amendments Proposed Pages 78-86 



8 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Towx Action on Education. — Earliest Records on Educational 
Plans — Pioneer Scliool-liouse — Difficulties Connected with At- 
tending First School — Paucity of Instruction Then — Commend- 
able Progress in Provisions for Schooling the Children — 
Singular Species of Vendue — Investment of School Fund — 
Reading-schools Established in Various Parts of the Town — 
Appropriation for Support of Schools in five Sections of the 
Town, Divided into " Squadrons" —List of Six of These Squad- 
rons in the Succeeding Year — Cost of New School-house in the 
Center — Cost of Schooling Between 1747 and 1770— Multipli- 
cation of School-houses — Ten Districts in Existence as Early 
as 1760 — [For other Educational Doings see Chapter XXI.] 

Pages 87-91 

CHAPTER X. 

Church Organizations. — Installation of First Minister — Mem- 
bership Composed of Some Residents from Sutton — Length of 
Time in Building First Meeting-house — Frame Buildings Iftire 
Things in Those Days — Prominence of Religious Matters in 
Town Meetings — Uncertain Character of Ministers' Salaries — 
Value of a Bushel of Corn — AVindowless and Floorless Churches 
— First Plastering of the Church — Meeting-house Funds Taken 
for School Purposes — Opposition to the Church — Vote to Raise 
Minister's Salary, and Subsequently Rescinded — Pastor Stone in 
1789 Asks a Dismission — Compromise Effected — Renewal of 
His Request for Dismission in 1805 — Baptists in 1770 Relieved of 
Assessment for Minister — Quakers Follow Suit, but Do Not 
Succeed so Well— History of the Church from Its Organization 
to 1879 — History of the Second Congregational Church in East 
Douglas, with List of the Original Members Brought Down to 
JS79 — History of the Reformed Methodist Church, South Doug- 
las- History of the Reformed Methodist Church in East Douglas 
— History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in East Douglas — 
History of the Quaker Church in South Douglas — History of 
the Catholic Church in East Douglas . . . Pages 92-112 

CHAPTER XI. 

War of the Rebellion. —Douglas in the Rebellion — Number 
of Men Furnished— Honorable Record of the Town in Regard 
to This Struggle — Amount of Money Expended — List of Town 
Meetings to Act on Questions Relating to the War— Aid for 
Soldiers' Families — Conference with the Towns of Northbridgc 
and Uxbridge — Complete List of Douglas Soldiers by Regi- 
ments—Names of Douglas Soldiers Killed, Wounded and Miss- 
ino- Durin<^ the War —Decoration Day Observances Pages 113-121 



CONTENTS. 9 

CHAPTER XII. 

Newspapers and Othek Pubi.ications. — History of the Doug- 
las Herald — Its Originators Employes in the Webster Times 
Office — Consultation of Mr. Spencer with Leading Citizens of 
Douglas — Announcement of the Paper by Posters — Meagre 
Equipment of Office — Its Economical but Energetic Launch — 
Cost of Presses and Type, and How Liquidated — Location of 
First Headquarters — First Number, and the Impression Pro- 
duced — Increase of Patronage and Size of Paper — Eetirenient 
of Mr. Quimby — New Partner, and Enlargement in Size — 
Editor Made Postmaster — Local Matters Ventilated — Effect 
on Subscription List — Benefits of Illustrated Editions — Sub- 
scription List Doubled — Co-oiierative Plan Tried — Enlarge- 
ment of Its Sphere of Local Matter to Include Whitinsville — 
Proposal to Eemove to Blackstone — Finally Goes to Uxbridge 

— Appears as the Worcester South Compendium — Review of Its 
Course and History — Other Minor Publications — The Adver- 
tiser — Home Journal . . ... . Pages 122-130 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Society Organizations. — First Douglas Band, with Names of 
Members — Second Douglas Band and Its Organization — Its 
Successor, and the Accident When Returning from Sutton — 
Its Resurrection to the Tune of Yankee Doodle by the Irrepres- 
sible Reynolds and Balcome — History of the Band of 1858-59 — 
The Gallant Enlistment of this Band When the Rebellion Oc- 
curred — Its Present Flourishing Condition — Douglas Literary 
Society — Douglas Social Library — Union Lodge, No. 88, I. O. 
of O. F. —Howard Lodge, No. 119, I. O. of O. F. — Mumford 
River Lodge A. F. & A. M. — The Social Union — The Douglas 
Lyceum — East Douglas District — Eas-t Douglas Musical Society 

— Douglas Library Association — Union Temperance Society 

and Reform Club Pages 131-141 

CHAPTER XIV, 

Biographical and Genealogicai. Records. — Dr. Wm. Douglas 

— Col. Ezekiel Preston — The Hill Family — Hunt Family— 
Thayer Family — Wallis Family — Whipple Family — Stone 
Family Pages 142-207 

CHAPTER XV. 

Biographical and Genealogical Records. — Rawson Family 

— Capt. Benjamin Wallis and Descendants — Dudley Family — 
Amos Gould —Amos Humes — Russel Titus — Dudley Balcome 
Ezra Jones — Dea. Warren Hunt— Dr. William Jennison — 
Jonathan Sprague — Homer B. Sprague — James E. Simmons 



10 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

— Feuner Batchellev — Col. Horace Emerson — Luther Stone — 
Dr. Ezekiel Wood — Cliarles Hutchins — Gardner Chase — Dr. 
John Taylor — Samuel Lovett — Dr. D. P. White — Archelaus 
Stone — Milton D. Whipple — Cullen Whipple — Lyman Par- 
sons — S. W. Heath — Jeremiah B. Luther — Warren Humes — 
Eunice Balcome — Moses Knapp — Welcome Whipple, Esq. — 
Theodore Stone Pages 208-242 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Manufactures. — Early Development of Manufacturing Enter- 
prise in the Town — Shingles, Hoops and Barrel Staves First 
on the List — Saw and Grain Mill in Eastern Section of the 
Town — The Wallis Planing-mill — Samuel Legg's Fulling-mill 

— Cragin's Satinet-mill — Cragin & Co.'s Cotton and Woolen 
Factory — Adams & Co.'s Cassimere Factory, and Their Hard 
Fortune— Hazard's Satinet-mill — Ellis Burt's Plow Factory — 
Col. Preston's Cotton Factory — Sweatland & Angel's Machine 
Shop — Cragin & Co.'s Nail Factory — Adams & Co.'s Power 
Loom Manufactory — The Lovett ]\[ill — Southworth's Grist- 
mill — Carpenter's Tannery — Carpenter's Shoe Factory 

Pages 243-251 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Manufactures — Continued. — First Axe Factory — Humble Ori- 
gin — Remarkable and Continuous Success of the Business — 
Second Establishinent for the Manufacture of Axes — Failure 
of the Hunt Bros. — Resumption of the Business by Oliver — 
Boston the Most Favorable Depot for Their Axes — Mr. Cragin 
Becomes Agent for Selling Them — First Employes at Axe-mak- 
ing — Cullen Whipple's Drilling Machine — Enlargement of the 
Shops — Captain Scudder's Partnership — Formation of "The 
Douglas Axe Manufacturing Co."— Names of Employes Prior 
to Incorporation — Warren Hunt's Lease of the Works, and His 
Handsome Profits — Description of the Company's Works at 
Gilboa — Ice Embargo, and How Broken Up — Old Fashioned 
Trip Hammers, or Jumpers — Rolls First Used — Spanish Ma- 
chels, Cane Knives, etc. — Purchase of the Lovett Mill — 
Thayer's Grist and Saw-mill — Logee's Carriage Manufactory 

— Wellman's Grist-mill — Lee and Murdock's Shoddy-mill — 
Gleason's Wheelwi-ight's Shop — Joseph Bowen's Undertaker 
and Cabinet Repair Shop — L. S. Keith's Carriage and Paint 
Shop — Willard Whipple's Harness Shop — S. Rivers' Horse 
Shoeing "and Blacksmith's Shop — Eagle Grist-mill Pages 252-267 

CHAPTER XVII L 

Douglas Axe Manufacturing Co. — Wonderful Growth of Axe 
Manufacturing — Ex-Premier Gladstone's Admiration of the 



CONTENTS. 11 

American Axe — Capital Kequisite for the Business — Its Prin- 
cipal Departments — Motive Power Employed — Aggregate of 
Iron, Coal, Grindstones, etc.. Annually Iveqnired — Detail of the 
Forging Department — Peculiar Method of Incorporating the 
Steel with the Iron — Symmetry and Scientific Form of the 
Douglas Brand of Axes — Kigid System of Inspection Employed 
— Bunglers Not at a Premium Among the Workmen, and Why 
Not — Process of Grinding, and Its Perils — Tempering Syste- 
matized for Practical Resvilts in Axe Production — The Aes- 
thetics in Axe-making, and Where It Comes In . Pages 268-274 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Incidents and Accidents. — Robbery of the Axe Company's 
Safe — A Ponderous Job, but Noiseless in Execution — Evident- 
ly Done by Veterans in Burglary — Removal of the Safe Entire- 
ly Across One Room and Partly Across Another — Front and 
Top of Safe Pried Apart — Contents Fished Out — Fortunate 
Absence of Funds for Pay-day — Explanation of their Opera- 
tions Being Unheard — Amount of Property Stolen — Suspect- 
ed Persons Found Innocent — Adventure of the " Douglas Fleet ' ' 
in Boston — Captain Balcome's Facetious Commandery of the 
Military — Wonderful Muscularity — Yanquishment of a Pugi- 
list at Sight — How Tramps Used to be Managed — How a Man 
Was Cured of the Watch Fever — The Frightened Quaker — La- 
Fayette and the Horses He Borrowed in Douglas — Dueling Party 
Visits Douglas — Lovell Pulsipher's Ingenious Plan for Abate- 
ment of the Town Tax Pages 275-289 

CHAPTER XX. 

Centennial, Fourth of July in East Douglas. — Widespread 
Observance of Human Birthdays — Increasing Intelligence Se- 
cures General Recognition — National Birthdays Proportionately 
Important — One Hundredth Anniversary Deserved Especial 
Observance — What it Celebrated — Double Victory over Eng- 
land, and Subjugation of the Rebellion — Promptitude in Car- 
rying out Centennial Fourth — Doings Preliminary — Illumina- 
tion and Torchlight Procession — Trades' Display, etc. — Civic 
Procession and Public Addresses — Dinner and Exercises at 
Table — Union Prayer-meeting — Afternoon and Evening 
Amusements — Remarkable Good Order During the Jubilee 

Pages 290-296 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Educational Addenda. — Educational Efforts in 1797 — Walluni 
Pond Hill District Organized — Reorganization of Districts — 
School Money Divided pro rata — Rebuilding of the Burnt 



12 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

South School-house — Committee to Define Limits of the Dis- 
tricts — Abolition of District System by the State — Town 
Action Restoring the System of Districts — Special Provision 
by the Town for East Douglas — Repairs in Nos. 9 and 10 Dis- 
tricts — Report of Town Committee for 1878 — High School 
Established — Subscribers' Names — Building Committee — 
How Maintained — Dr. Wood's Donation — Litigation over this 
Fund — Revising Standard of Admission to High School — 
Three Years' Course Adopted for Graduation , Pages 297-30T 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The Moses Wallis Devise — Singular Character of the Docu- 
ment — Obligations of the Town in Accepting the Trust — Pres- 
ent Status of the Devise After Thirty-seven Years' Investment 
— A Correct Copy of the Original Will . . Pages 308-31& 

APPENDIX. 

Supplementaiy Rebellion War Record — Response of Massachu- 
setts to tlie President's Call for Three Months' Men — Prompt 
Rally of the Troops in Boston — First Companies to Reach 
Boston — Call from Washington for More Soldiers — Departure 
of First Troops from Boston for Washington — MemoraL'.e 
Passage Through Baltimore — Governor Andrews' Call for 
Three Years' Men — Plan of Organizing and Numbering the 
Regiments — First Three Regiments Organized — Eleventh 
Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tripp's Narrative of Its 
Services and Casualties — Fifteenth Regiment at Ball's Bluff 
and Gettysburg — Bi-igadier-General Gibbons' Complimentary 
Order — Eighteenth, Twenty-second, Twenty-fourth, Twenty- 
fifth, Twenty-seventli, Twenty-eighth, Thirtieth, Thirty-third, 
and Thirty-sixth Regiments, with Lists of Douglas Soldiers 
and Casualties — Fifty-first Regiment — Its Gallant Volunteer- 
ing After Expiration of Enlistment, and Colonel A, B. R. 
Sprague's Official Reports — Fifty-seventh and Fifty-eighth 
Regiments — First, Third, and Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, 
and Bravery of Colonel Frank Washburn — First, Second, and 
Sixteenth Massacliusetts Heavy Artillery — First, Second, 
Fourtli, and Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers — First, Second, 
and Third Rhode Island Cavalry — Third Rhode Island Heavy 
Artillery — Thirteenth, Eighteenth, and Twenty-sixth Con- 
necticut Volunteers — Engineer, Signal, and Veteran Reserve 
Corps — United States Navy, etc Pages 317-35^ 




List of Illustrations. 



^( 



NO. 
1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 
> 6. 
~1. 

8. 
- 9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 

14. 

15. 



SUB.1ECT. 



PAGK. 



Bird's-eye Vieav of East Douglas, 

Bird's-eye View of Douglas Center, 

Piece of Petrified Wood, ... . . . 

Arrowheads and Other Indian Kelics, 

Indian Camping Ground, ...... 

Eesidence of a. J. Thayer, East Dougi-as, 
First Cong. Church, Erected 1748 at Douglas Center. 
Diagram of the Several Land Grants, 
Residence of Chas. A. Caouette, East Douglas, 
Residence of Dea. Albert Butler, East Douglas, . 
Residence of A. F. Jones, East Douglas, . 
Residence of Mrs. Adaline Starrett, East Douglas, 
Residence of Rev. W. W. Dow, Douglas Center, 
Thayer's Block, East Douglas, .... 

Moses Hill TaveKn Sign, 



Frontispiece. 

Frontispiece. 

21 



22 
22 
28 
31 

if 

36 

40 

40 

47 

47 

56 

69 



14 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 



NO. SUBJECT. 

16. Eesidence of Dr. A. E. Kemp, 

17. Kesidence of Rev. Wm. T. Briggs, 

18. Autographs of Thirty-one Prominent Douglas Men, 

19. Portrait of Rev. David Holman, .... 
2 0. First Congregational, Church, Douglas Center 

21. Second Congregational Church, East Douglas, 

22. Interior of Old Reformed Methodist Church, 
2.3. Reformed Methodist Church, East Douglas, 

24. Methodist Episcopal Church, East Douglas, 

25. Catholic Church, East Douglas, . 

26. Office of Douglas Herald (Knapp Building), 

27. Office of Douglas Herald (Arcade), . 

28. Douglas Band, 

29. Residence of Moses H. Balcome, 

30. Residence of D. M. Lee, 

31. Portrait of Dea. Warren Hunt, 

32. Autograph of Jonathan Sprague, 

33. Autograph of Fenner Batcheller, 

34. Autograph of Gardner Chase, 

35. Autograph of Lyman Parsons, . 

36. Autograph of S. W. Heath, 

37. Bird's-eye View of Whitin Reservoir, . 

38. Bass Fishing at Wallum Pond, 

39. Camping Out at Wallum Pond, . 

40. The Moses Knapp Place, East Douglas, 

41. Modern axe, ... 

42. Old Axe, Made in 1825, 

43. Upper Works of Douglas Axe Mf'g. Co., 

44. Howe Factory op Douglas Axe Mf'g. Co, 

45. GiLBOA, Douglas Axe Mf'g. Co., . 

46. Head and Bit Forging Shops and Lovett Works^ 

47. Medals Awarded to the Douglas Axe Mf'g. Co. by 

the Massachusetts Charitable Association, Unit- 
ed States Centennial Commission, and French 
Medal, 

48. Medal Awarded to the Douglas Axe Mf'g, Co, at the 

World's Fair, London, 1862, 

49. Medal Awarded to Douglas Axe Mf'g. Co. at the 

Vienna Exposition, 1863, 



PAGE. 

60 

69 

93 - . 

98 ^ 
100 
103 
106 
107 
109/ 
111/ 
123 
123 
131 
217 
217 
220 
222 
225 
230 

^35 ^ 
236 
238 
238 
238 
249 
253 
253 
255 
255 
255 
257 • 



259 
260 
261 



LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. 



15 



NO. 

50. 

51. 
52. 
.5.3. 

54. 
55. 
56. 
57. 
58. 
.59. 
60. 
61. 
62. 
63. 
64. 



SUB.IECT. 

Old Red Shop and Farm Buildings of the Douglas 
Axe Mf'g. Co., 



Patterns of Axes Made by the Douglas Axe Mf' 
Overcoat Steel and the Douglas Axe Bit, 
Patterns of Hatchets Made by the Douglas 

Mf'g. Co., 

Claav Hatchet, ...... 

Burglars' Tools Used in the Safe Robbery, 
Residence of A. F. Brown, Esq., . . 
Residence of Charles Hutchins, . 
Residence of Jesse B. Sherman, . 
Residence of L. S. Whipple, 
Residence of Edwin Moore, 
Residence of John M. Rawson, 
Residence of A. M. Hill, .... 

Residence of Ira Wallis, . . . . 

Plan of Ball's Bluff Battlefield, 



G. Co 



Axe 



PAGE. 

263 
269 
271 



273 - 

274 

275 

277 

281 

283 

293 

293 ' 

299 

299 

305 v^ 

325 



^J,i 



//' 



M AP 






THE TOWN OF DOUGUS, 

SHOWING THE 

SEVEm scB m uraicTS, 

1B78. 




CHAPTER I. 




FIRST OCCUPATION OP THE TOWN. 



riP^ name of Douglas was iirst given to the 
territory of the town in the jear 1746. 
'' New Sherburu," or '' New Sherburn Grant," 
had previously to this date been its designa- 
tion since its first occupancy by the whites, 
which was as early as 1715, if not considera- 
bly earlier. The original settlers came ahnost 
entirely from the town of Sherburn, though 
some, and probably a small portion of them, hailed from Natick, 
and in all their transactions as a bod}^ they appear to have invaria- 
bly acknowledged their allegiance to the town of Sherburn. The 
year in which the present name was given is clearly that of 174(5, 
since in 1745 a new road was laid out, and the records show that 
it was done by the authorities of New Sherburn, but in all subse- 
quent transactions b}' these officers the}- are recorded under the 
auspices of Douglas. 

At the time when these pioneer settlers began the occupation 
of the town large tracts of land within its present limits had for 
some years been annually burned over in the spring by the people 
residing in the adjoining towns of Oxford and Mendon, in order 
that the lands thus devastated might better answer the purpose of 
grazing their cattle. The excellent quahties of the temtory of 
Douglas for pasturing had at this early date become well known 
to the farmers in these towns, and doubtless the same fact was well 
understood by the Sherburn people in the other direction, and was 
probably one of the strong inducements governing them in their 
courageous venture to plant themselves here. This annual destruc- 
tion of unmense quantities of tunber, merely for the purpose of 

2 



18 HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 

eurichiug thus summarily their borrowed pasturage ground, was not 
strange on the part of these neighbors, even though it was done, 
in process of time, at the expense as well as to the no small annoy- 
ance of the more legitimate occupants of the land. In due time 
it came to an end, however, though not without calling out proba- 
bly some vigorous protests from those whose rights were thus 
encroached upon. 

Carrying us back, as the name instinctively does, to the chival- 
rous days of Scottish history, when the proverb was in vogue, " No 
man may touch a Douglas, nor a Douglas's man, for if he do he is 
sure to come by the waur (worse)," the question, ''What 'sin a 
name?" is one not entirely unrenunierative to the curiosity' of a 
genuine son of the old town of Douglas. In view of the fact that 
the old-world contest by the real lords of the soil against the Stu- 
arts and their allies was really revived in our Revolutionar}' strug- 
gle, we think it will not be diflicult to see that at no time in the 
})ast were the Douglases more uncompromising in their resistance to 
the haughty and baseless demands of royalty, or less entitled to 
the honor of having inherited the republicanism as well as tlie fear- 
less and independent spirit of John Knox and his followers. And 
lest this should be deemed to be only the ebullition of a merely 
senseless ol)stinacy tomouarchial authority, uncalled for in reason, 
we are able to cite one of the noblest instances of lo^'alty to the king 
in the annals of any country, in the case of the beautiful and heroic 
C!atharine Douglas, maid of honor to Queen .Joanna, who threw 
herself in front of the assassins who were savagely thundering at the 
door of the ro_val apartments, and, substituting her own arm for 
the bolts that had been treacherously drawn, she held the door 
therewith until cut down at her post by the swords of the conspir- 
ators. 

But it is time for us to trace the origin of the name borne bj' our 
town. Dr. William Douglas, an eminent j)hysician of Boston, a 
Scotchmaii ])y l)irth, author of several historical and medical works, 
being withal a somewhat extensive land proi)rietor in various parts of 
the State, in consideration of the privilege of naming the township, 
offered the inhabitants the sum of $')00 (old tenor), as a fund for 
the establishment and maintenance of free schools, togethei- with 
a tract of thirty acres of land, with a dwelling-house and barn 
standing thereon. It was stipulated in this offer that this land was 



FIRST OCCUPATION OF THE TOWN. 19 

not to be sold by tlie town, but it was sold, nevertheless, in the 
course of a few years afterwards, though the wise and kind inten- 
tions of the donor were doubtless fully met by the inhabitants in 
ordering the proceeds to be carefully invested for the benefit of the 
school fund. vSomething more than $900 of the money thus real- 
ized still remain in the keeping of the town, the balance having 
been invested in nonproductive securities. It is said also that a 
bell was promised to the Center School by Doctor Douglas, besides 
£50 a year for seven years for the support of the ministry, 
though quite a portion of these pledges was ncA'er received b}' the 
town. 

The location of the thirty-acre farm is supposed to have been 
in or near what is now known as the Douglas "Woods, through 
which the New York and New England Hailroad is located. For 
the gratification of the curiosity of those Avho have the leisure to 
look up the boundaries as they stood when the donation was made, 
we insert the following extract from the original deed, which bears 
the date of May 8, 1750 : '' Northerly on the Kange line parting 
the second and third Ranges of lots ; easterly with the laud of Dr. 
Wm. Douglas ; southwardly with the Range line ])arting the third 
and fourth Ranges of lots ; westwardly with the land of Jonathan 
Fairbanks bv metes and bounds — being 215 rods in length and 
twenty -four rods in Avidtli, with a dwelling-house on said land." 

Dr. Samuel Jennison, a man Avhose subsequent prominence in 
the history of the town, as well as in national matters, would 
certainly seem to have secured for him the highest regard of his 
fellow-townsmen, appears at a later date to have become anxious 
that the toAvu should bear his name, in consideration of certain 
favors which he was ready to grant. For some reason his propo- 
sition was not favorably received, since on the 11th of February, 
1771, the voters were assembled to see if they would petition the 
General Court to have the name altered, but the proposal was 
rejected, and with so much unanimity that it was never again 
alluded to. Notwithstanding the failure of Doctor Douglas to 
make good all of his promises to the town, tl>e inhabitants chose 
still to honor him, or else were content not to experiment further 
in subsitlized cognomens, and hence we do not to-day live in Jen- 
nison. 

The area of the town now comprises about thirty-three square 



20 HISTOEY OF EAbT DOUGLAS. 

miles, or about 21,000 ac-res. It is bounded on the nortli by 
Oxford, Sutton and Uxbridge, on the east by Sutton andUxbridge, 
on tlie south b^' Burrillville {11. I.), and on the west by Thompson 
(Conn.) and Webster. Its distance from Boston is forty-five 
miles, with which it has a direct connection over the New York 
and New England Railroad. 

The geological formation consists of quartz, feldspar and mica. 
Bowlders are plentifully scattered over the surface in nearly every 
section of the town, and gold and silver ores are said to be found 
in some localities, though not in sufficient quantities to pay for 
working. Large quantities of building and ornamental stone are 
quarried from the granite ledges found in the centre of the town, 
which are shipped to almost every section of New England. 

The face of the country is beautifull}' diversified with hills and 
valleys, and it is rendered more beautiful in many sections b}' the 
cultivation of shade and ornamental trees by the roadside. The 
numerous lakes and ponds within the limits of the town add 
greatly to the beauty of the scenery, and the waters flowing from 
them, mingling with the rivers and streamlets, are made tributary 
to the wealth and prosperity of the inhabitants, as the chapters^ 
under the head of " Manufactures" will abundantly show. 

The principal elevations are Bald Hill, 711 feet in height; 
Wallum Pond Hill, 778 feet ; and Mount Daniel, 735 feet. The 
largest of the numerous ponds are Wallum Pond, in the south- 
west part, covering about 150 acres within the territory of Doug- 
las ; Badluck Pond, in the western part of the town, covering about 
110 acres; Reservoir Pond, also in the western limits, covering 
about 400 acres ; and Manchaug Pond, located in the northern 
border, covering in Douglas ninety-three acres. Besides these, 
Bating Pond is found in the southern part of the town, and Cham- 
berlin Pond in the west, each covering a small extent of terri- 
tory. 

The soil is varied. In the central and eastern sections man}- of 
the farms are susceptible of easy cultivation, and reward the labors 
of those who till them with remunerative crops, but in the western 
section there is an unbroken tract, of nearl}' 6,000 acres in area, 
extending nearly tlie entire length of the town from north to south, 
and comprising nearly one-third of the whole of its territory, its 
surface rocky and uneven, and covered with a varied growth of 



FIRST OCCUPATION OF THE TOWN. 



21 



wood and timber, but with scarcely a single inhabitant. Just across 
the boundary line which separates this portion of the town from 
Sutton is located a natural curiosity, well known as " Purgatory," — 
a weird and rugged spot, in which some terrible convulsion of nature 
has at a former jxn-iod rent asunder the solid rocky formation of 
which the entire region is chiefly composed, leaving a cliasm of some 
fifty feet in width, its perfectly vertical walls nearly seventy feet in 
•depth in some places, into which the superincumbent trees and 
rocks have been tumbled in wildest confusion. At the bottom of 




PIECE OF PETRIFIED WOOD FOUND OX LAND OF SIMON RAWSON. 



some portions of this fnghtful gorge may sometimes be found beds 
of ice far into the summer months, and visitors who are at the 
trouble to clamber through the rugged detile find the air strangely 
alternating from hot to cold. Such fantastic names as "Pulpit 
Rock," and "The Devil's Corn-crib," have been bestowed on 
some of the singular forms assumed by the fallen rocks. 

From a ver}' early period, probably reaching bej'ond the year 
1635, bands of Indians, principally of the Nipmuck tribe, largely 
monopolized the beautiful region of country comprised within the 
southern limits of Worcester county, the Blackstone river being 
then called Nipmuck river. The numerous relics of Indian war- 
fare as well as of dail}' life, which have been exhumed from time 
to time by the plow and spade within the area of Douglas, show 




ARROWHEADS AND OTHER INDIAN RELICS FOUND WITHIN THE 

I.IMITS OF DOUGLAS, 

CHIEFLY ON THE SIMON RAWSON PLACE. 



FIRST OCCUPATION OF THE TOWN. 23 

conclusive!}- that this was one of the favorite haunts of the red 
man. It is well known that the Indians almost invariably select 
for their burial grounds the most picturesque localities, and here 
they must have congregated quite numerousl}', pursuing their rude 
arts of husbandry and predatory life combined. 

In 1074 Major (lOokin, with that distinguished apostle to the 
Indians, John Eliot, made a tour through the Nipmuck country, 
visiting especially among the "■ praying Indians," who are said to 
liave mniil)ered at this time as many as one thousand, from which 
it is safe to conclude that the Indian population in this region must 
have been unusually large as early as this. No records exist 
showing the time when the Nipmucks constituted an independent 
tribe. They seem to have been for many years held in more or 
less subjection to the neighboring sachems. 

Until the fatal war of 1675 these sons of the forest lived on the 
most pacific terms Aviththe white settlers, proving highly serviceable 
to them in many ways. That ferocity so generally predominating 
in savage life seems never to have shown itself among them, such was 
the simpUcity of the Nipmuck character. Up to this time no pur- 
chases of lands were allowed to be made from the Indians without 
the oversight of a judicious committee of the General Court, so 
that no injustice or wrong seems to have occurred on either side, 
each seeming to realize their mutual needs and obligations. That 
they were constantly interchanging ofHces of kindness and neigh- 
borly assistance, the following touching incident strikingly exem- 
phfies : At one time, not long after the arrival of the Puritans, it 
became known to these Indians that their new neighbors were greatly 
in want of bread, and one of these miscalled '•'■ savages" is said to 
have carried them a bag of corn, believed to have contained as 
much at least as a bushel and a half, the entire distance from 
the southwest part of Worcester county to Boston. It is doul^tful 
if the records of civilized life will present man}- such instances of 
persevering goodness under similar disal)ilities. 

The census of Douglas for the several decades since the year 
1790 shows a constant gain in population, though moderate in the 
rate of increase. Its elevation above the Blackstone valley on the 
east, and the valley of the (iuinebaug on the west, secures to its 
residents a most salul^rious and in\-igorating atmosphere, and those 
in quest of permanent residences are beginning to realize the ad- 



24 HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 

vantages afforded to such within its limits, as the rapid gain since 
1850 will show in the appended table : 

1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1875 



1,070 1,083 1,142 1,375 1,742 1,017 1,878 2,442 2,202 

Within the last few years a camp ground lias been established 
near the Center, where union religious services of the evangelical 
order are regularly held each 3'ear, usually closing with a mass 
temperance meeting, conducted on the plan of the gospel workers 
in this cause. This camp-meeting enterprise was started through 
the earnest efforts of Mr. George M. Morse, of Putnam, Conn., a 
leading manufacturer of that town, and possessed of considerable 
wealth, whicli he endeavors seemingly to employ as far as possible 
in the promotion of religious and benevolent efforts. Large num- 
bers of people from the different towns in this part of Massa- 
chusetts, as well as from the closely adjoining States of Connecticut 
and Rhode Island, attend this annual gathering, many of them 
during the ten or twelve dajs of its continuance, but the attendance 
is mostly b}^ those who can leave their homes in the morning and 
return at night. I'he order prevailing at these meetings is almost 
invarial)ly uuexceptioiuTble. 



CHAPTER II. 




ALLOTMENT OF SHERBORN NEW GRANT. 

/E have been unable, after careful inquiry, to ob- 
tain an}- reliable local facts of an early date con- 
cerning the settlement of the town, so sparsely 
made and so slightly appreciated in their real 
importance and desirableness were the records 
of those eventful times. Doubtless very many 
incidents of a most interesting and even thrill- 
ing character transpired in connection with the 
venturesomeness of those who braved peril and hardship to secure 
for themselves and families a home by pushing out into the unoc- 
cupied regions of the country. The perusal of these incarnations 
of heroic endurance would prove invaluable tousof to-da3-inmany 
respects. Napoleon is reported to have said that the history of an 
army could not be written till that of its several regiments had 
been recorded ; and neither can a nation's history, nor even that 
of a State, be fairly and impartially constructed till that of its 
towns and hamlets is collated. 

In the absence of these important data, however, the history of 
its connection with the town of Sherborn (the present legal orthog- 
rai)hy of *■' Sherbnrn " since the action of the Legislature on the 
subject in 1852) will furnish us much valuable material. This 
old town was incorporated in 1G74, but when Framingham was 
erected into a township, in 1700, the General Court set otf from 
Sherborn seA'enteen families, with their estates, to be included in 
the new town. This proved so unsatisfactory to the inhabitants of 
Sherborn that they appealed to the General Court for redress, and 
urged their complaint so vigorousl}' that it resulted in securing to 



26 HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 

them two \:iluable land grants. From the Sherborn Town Rec- 
ords the following items are appended, as giving, perhaps, the 
onl}' legitimate history of those days : 

3Iareh 7, 1708. — •' At a town meeting, legally warned, etc., it 
was then manifest to ye towu what had l)een etfeeted with ye Hon. 
General Court by our Representative, Sam'l Bnllard, concerning 
ye scA'enteen families on ye north part of ye town, with ye accept- 
ance and concurrence of ye Court herewith, and was consented to 
by a general vote, in consequence of ye loss of seventeen families 
which were incorporated witli ye town of Framingham. Ye Gen- 
eral Court granted 4,(X)(J acres of land, lying westerly of ye town- 
ship of Mendon, as an equivalent." These lands were called Sher- 
born New Grant, and the grant was confirmed in 1710. 

"At a meeting of ye inhabitants of Sherborn, June 1 7th, 1 71.'k to 
state a rule whereby ye 4,000 acres of land, late granted and con- 
firmed to ye toAvn liy ye General Court, in lieu of ye seventeen 
families set oflJ'to Framingham, may be orderly and regularly di- 
vided, to and among ye same free h(jlders and inhal)itants, it was 

'' Voted, That ye invoice and pcjUs and ratable estates taken in 
August, 1714, shall be ye rule whereby j-e 4,000 acres of land shall 
be appropriated aniong ye i)resent inhabitants of said town of Sher- 
born, being freeholders, and such other inhabitants that have lived 
upon hire in ye town for some time passed. 

"Ye first committee chosen to h)ok where ye town may be ac- 
commodated with ye 4,000 acres of country land was, Dea. Leland, 
Joseph Sheffit'ld, and Benj. Whitney. Ye first committee chosen U> 
divide yo land according to ye rule adopted 1\y ye town was, En- 
sign Sam'l Bullard, AVm. Rider, Jr., and Joseph Death; and ye- 
town voted them 400 acres of land for their services. This com- 
mittee subsequently dechned to serve, and Dea. Benoni Larned, 
Eleazer Hollirook, John Death, Joseph Ware, and Thomas Jones 
were chosen a committee, and ye tow^n voted that they should not 
receive but 3 shillings per day for their serAices." It was also 
voted ' ' that ye committee shall begin at ye northeast corner of ye 
said grant, and work from thence westwardly through ye same in 
ye first range of lots ; then turning and running eastward in their 
work through ye second range of lots ; then working westward 
again for ye third range of lots ; and lastly, to work eastward for 
ye fourth range of lots — ye lots to be 200 rods in length northerly 



ALLOTMENT OF SHERBORN NEW GRANT. 27 

a,u(l southerl}', and ye breadth of 'em to extend easterly and west- 
erly, according to their bigness." 

It was also voted "■ that ye proprietors draw lots for dividing 
the land," and Dea. Ilopestill Leland was chosen to draw for those 
of the proprietors that were not present. This 4,000-aere grant 
was divided among one hnndred and five persons, seventeen of 
whom bore the name of Morse. In 1715 another grant of 3,000 
acres was obtained b}- the town of Sherborn ; and subsequently by 
purchase still another grant of 3,700 acres, all of which was di- 
vided according to the rule adopted by the town. 

There were granted '■ to twenty proprietors, of a place called 
New Sherburn, afterwards Douglas," at some time prior to 1730, 
an area of 4,524 acres of land at the extreme Avest and southwest 
part of the town, within which grant Avere " 400 acres granted to 
ye ministers, and IGO acres to Simon Chamberlin." 

About this time there were set otf to several men in Boston a 
large tract of land, on what is now known as Walhim Pond Hill, 
then known as the Boston Men's Farm, There were also granted 
to a son of Gov. Bradstreet, for some meritorious service, 500 acres 
of land in what is now the northeast corner of Douglas. The com- 
mittee sent out t(j locate this land for Iiim, in their report, recom- 
mended that they " throw in GO acres, because 3'e land was of such 
poor (luality." There were also granted to David Draper GOO 
acres of land in the northeast corner of New Sherborn, and to Na- 
thaniel Brewer (called afterwards the Brewer Farm) HOO acres 
south of the Draper and Bradstreet grant. Brewer subsequently 
sold 500 acres of his grant to Benjamin Murdish. David Draper 
and Benjamin Murdish soon after this petitioned the General 
Court to be set to the town of Uxbridge, and they, with their es- 
tates, the eastern line of which was near the school-house on Wil- 
liams Hill, were set to the town of Uxbridge, and have ever since 
belonged there. The remainder of the Brewer farm is now divided 
into the farms owned by Willard Whipple, Mrs. Charles Thayer, 
Mary Prentice, and James and Chester Williams, the farm known 
as the Knapp Farm (now owned by Wm. A. Perr^'), and the lower 
village, owned by the Axe Company." 

A part of the remainder of the village of East Douglas, and a 
strip of land nearly one mile wide, and extending to the Uxbridge 
line south of the residence of Joseph Hall, was sold by order of 



ALLOTMENT OP SHERBORN NEW GRANT. 29' 

the General Court, April 1, 1723, '' in ye first year of je reign of 
our Sovereign Lord, King George ye Second, to Dr. Wm. Douglas, 
Habijah Savage, John Binning, Wm. Tyler and Andrew Tyler." 
This land was subsequently divided between these parties, and the 
Tylers settled upon their shares. On the eastern part thereof,, 
immediately south of this Tyler and Douglas grant, was the first 
3,000-acre grant, the north line of which must have been not far 
from the Martin Four Corners. This tract was two and a half 
miles long from north to south, and two miles wide from east to 
west. The 4:,0()0-acre grant was west of the Bradstreet grant. 
The Brewer Farm and the Taylor and Douglas grants, the east line 
of which was the east line of the farm ftirmerly owned by INIicah 
Hill, extended two and a half miles from north to south, and twa 
and a half miles from east to west, the west line being near the east 
edge of Douglas Woods. The last grant to Sherborn, of 3,700 
acres, was west of the 4,000-acre grant, and extended as far south 
as the present residence of Mr. Joseph Morse, and included within 
its limits Badluck Cedar Swamp. Besides these there were various 
other small tracts of land granted to individuals, together with sec- 
tions of land contiguous to these respective tracts, which were desig- 
nated as " unknown land," " individual land," and "overplus land." 
The most of these have fallen into the hands of adjacent land- 
holders. 

Among the first settlers of the town we find the well known 
names of Morse, Hill, Brown, Balcome, Wallis, Jones, AVhiting, 
Dudley, Whitue}', Fairbanks, Jepherson, Reed, Gould, Thaver, 
Aldrich, Humes, and many others. Mr. Ephraim Hill was the 
first white man that settled in Douglas, and in 1721 the town of 
Sherborn granted him twenty acres of the 4,000-acre grant, in 
consideration of this fact, to be divided to him with his other land. 

The Sherborn Records give the following additional information 
on this primary division of the territory of the town : 

" At a meeting of freeholders and other inhabitants of ye town 
of Sherborn, regularly assembled by legal warning, Oct. ye 10th, 
1715, to receive information from ye Committee chosen to lay out 
Sherborn New Grant, &c., as may then be otfered, and to give to 
ye said Committee full and plenary orders and directions how to 
proceed in la3ing out ye 4,000 acres of land late granted and con- 
firmed b}^ ye General Court to ye town of Sherborn, as an equiva- 



30 HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 

lent for sevonteen fumilies, &c., called Sherborn New Grant, as 
aforesaid , 

A^oted, Tliat ye said committee, viz., Deacon Benoni Learned, 
Eleazar Ilolbrook. John Death, Joseph Ware, and Thomas Jones, 
shall boi'-in at ye northeast corner of ye said tract of land, and to 
work from there to ye westward, through ye same in ye same range 
of lotts ; then turning eastward in their work, through ye land 
again for ye second range of lots ; then working westward for ye 
third range ; and lastly, to work eastward for ye fourth range of 
lots, ye Lotts to he 200 rods in length, northerly and southerly-, and 
ve hreadth of them to be easterly and westerly according to their 
bigness ; and ye said committee to lay out ye whole of ye said 
tract of land, one with another, good and bad, as near as they can 
according to equity, to ye proprietors as ye town have voted and 
agreed upon ; and also to ye Committee that looked up and implatted 
ye said tract of land, as ye town have agreed with them. Provided 
also, that allowance shall be made for convenient wave in ye laying 
out of ye said Lots. Voted in ye affirmative. Also voted for ye 
said proprietors to proceed to draw lots for dividing ye land ; and 
Dea. Hopestill Lealand was chosen to draw lots for those of ye said 
proprietors that were .absent. Voted in ye affirmative by ye pro- 
])rietors, ye 10th day of October, 1715. 

Attest, J(JSKPH MOUSE, Moderator:' 

"Also, there was chosen Isaac Coolidge, to serve as one of ye 

.said Committee in ye room of Joseph A\'are, his desire being to be 

dismissed by reason of ye stress of his business. Voted in ye 

affirmative. 

Attest, JOSEPH MORSE, Moderator." 




FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ERECTED IN 1718 AT DOUGLAS CENTER. 



CHAPTER III 




ALLOTMENT OF OTHER GRANTS. 



ELOW we give the minutes on the Records 
of the town of Sherborn touching the orig- 
inal allotment of the territory included in 
the New Grant, of which the diagram fol- 
lowing is a fjic simile, as well as of the 
additional grants. That portion which is 
shaded includes the 4,000-acre grant, and 
the balance the subsequent grants : 



LOTTS DRAWN BY YE PROPRIETORS OF SHERBORN NEW GRANT, 

OCT. YE 10th, 1715 : 



NAMK OF 
PROPRIETOR, 



Jun 



Noah Morse, 

Eleazar Fairbanks, Juu'r, 
William Sheffield, 
Jonathan Whitney, 
John Hill, Sen'r, 
John Holbrook, 
AVilliam Barron, 
Benjamin Bullard, 
]Jenjamin Twitcliell, 
John Morse, 
Ensign John Death, 
Joseph Cozzens, 
Samuel Perry, . 
James Lealand, 
Nathaniel Morse, 
Robert Daniel, 
Capt. Samuel Bullard, 
Eleazar Hill, Jun'r, 
Plain Aaron Morse, 
Lieut. Jonathan Morse, 



r, 



NO. 
OF LOT. 

1 

2 
3 
4 

5 
6 

7 



9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 



NAME OF 


NO. 


PROPRIETOR. 


3F LOT. 


Ebenezer Hill, Jun'r, 


21 


Moses Adams, Jun'r, 


22 


Ebenezer Lealand, Sen'r, 


23 


John Goulding, 


24 


Edmund Gookin, 


25 


Richard Sanger, 


26 


George Fairbanks, . 


27 


Thomas Holbrook, . 


28 


Nathan Morse, 


29 


John Twitchell, 


30 


Eleazar Rider, 


31 


Moses Adams, Sen'r, 


32 


Benjamin Twitchell, Sen'r, 


33 


Timothy Lealand, . 


34 


Joshua Underwood, 


35 


Jacob Cozzens, 


. 36 


Wilham Wait, . 


37 


Ebenezer Hill, Sen'r, 


38 


Ebenezer Lealand, Jun'r, 


. 39 


Isaac Bullard, . 


. 40 



ALLOTMENT OF OTHER GRANTS. 



33 



NAME OF 
PROPRIETOR. 



NO. 
OF LOT. 

John Brick, .... 41 
John Lealand, . . . .42 

Hopestill Lealand, Jr., . . 43 

Widow Mary West, ... 44 

The Joseijh Johnson, . . 45 

Eleazer Hill, Sen'r, ... 46 

John Hill, Jun'r, ... 47 

Nathaniel Sheffield, ... 48 

Jonathan Morse, Jun'r, . . 49 

Benoni Adams, ... 50 

Daniel Eider, .... 51 

Solomon Hill, .... 52 
James Morse, . . . .53 
Thomas Jones, . . .54 

Joseph Whitney, ... 55 

Joshua Kebbe, ... 5(5 

Samuel Morse, ... 57 

Joseph Ware, .... 58 

William Rider, Sen'r, . . 59 

The Widow Bethia Perry, . 60 

Joseph Perry, .... 61 

Joseph Morse, Jun'r, . . 62 

Isaac Cozzens, .... 63 

Farm of Aaron Morse, , . 64 

Dea. Hopestill Lealand, . . 65 

The AVidow Leah Goddard, . 66 

Isaac Learned, ... 67 

Joseph Sheffield, ... 68 

Abraham Cozzens, Jun'r, . 69 

The Widow Deborah Morse, . 70 

Isaac Coolidge, ... 71 

Capt. Joseph Morse, . . 72 

The Widow Lydia Twitchell, 73 



N.4ME OF 


NO. 


PROPRIETOR. OF LOT. 


Henry Lealand, 


74 


Daniel Sheffield, 


75 


AVilliam Lealand, 


76 


William Bull, .... 


77 


John Sawin, .... 


78 


Nathaniel Perry, 


79 


Jonathan Fairbanks, Jun'r, 


80 


Dea'n Benoni Learned, . 


81 


Doct'r Jonathan Fairbanks, 


82 


Ebenezer Pratt, 


83 


Abraham Cozzens, Sen'r, 


84 


The Widow Mary Coolidge, . 


85 


William Rider, Jun'r, 


86 


Benjamin Whitney Wholder, 


87 


Ebenezer Badkick, , 


88 


Nathaniel Hill, 


89 


James Adams, 


90 


Eleazar Fairbanks, Sen'r, 


91 


Lieut. Thomas Sawin, 


92 


The Widow Sheffield Estate, 


93 


Ephraim Bullin, 


94 


Benjamin Whitney, Sen'r, 


. 95 


Daniel Morse, . 


. 96 


John BuUen, 


97 


Joseph Twitchell, . 


98 


Eleazer Holbrook, . 


99 


John Fisk, 


100 


Moses Morse, 


101 


Nathaniel Holbrook, 


A. 


William Johnson, 


B. 


Mary Morse 


C. 


Israel Morse, 


D. 


Ephraim Hill, .... 


* 



In the 3'ear 1715 the committee, viz., Deacon Benoni Learned, 
Eleazar Holbrook, John Death, Thomas Jones, and Isaac Cool- 
idge, having so far "completed their work in ye proportioning 
and laying out ye 4,000 acres of land lying westward of Mendon, 
late granted by ye Gen" Court to ye towii of Sherborn, with ye 
assistance of Mr. Thomas White, their surveyor," made their "re- 
turn of ye ser^-ice they had done " by a plan of it, drawn by Mr. 
White, to ye Town for acceptance, as also their demands for their 
service, and to pay Mr. White for his in ye aforesaid business ; 

3 



lifiliIMp 




DIAGRAM OF THE SEVERAL LAND GRANTS. 



ALLOTMENT OF OTHER GRANTS. 35 

and 3-6 town voted an acceptance of ^-e sd committee's work, and 
the cost, amonnting to ye snm of abont ten pounds, one way or 
another. Old Mr. Ebenezer Hill appeared (his Lott falling well), 
and freeh' undertook to pay off and satisfy ye committee and sur- 
vej'or for their serA-ice, as above said, which was accepted by ye 
town." 

" At a meeting of ye inhabitants of Sherborn, Dec. 29, 1721, 
ye town granted to Ephraim Hill, and his heirs forever, 20 acres 
of laud within ye common and undivided laud in ye said 4,000 
acres, in 3'e 4th range, next to ye last lott there granted, to be 
laid out in a regular form, in consideration of his being the first 
settled inhabitant there." 

The Sherborn Records contain the following additional minutes 
of the action of the town in the year 1725 concerning the several 
land grants : 

" At a meeting of 3'e Proprietors of 3-e undivided laud in three 
several grants of laud made b3^ 3'e Great and General Court of His 
Majest3', Province of ye Massachusetts Ba3', of late, to ye town of 
Sherborn, Mug westward of and parth' adjoining to ye Township 
of Mendou, in ye count3- of Suffolk, commonly called New Sher- 
born, viz. : First, a grant of 4,000 acres ; secondl3^ a grant of 3,000 
acres; and thirdly, a grant of 3, 700 —being regularly assembled 
and convened upon 3'e 27th day of December, 1725, b3' legal 
warning, and from thence held by several continuations to ye sec- 
ond Monda3' in November next following, and then met Monda3^, 
November ye 14th, 1726." 

"Upon a motion made to 3'e said proprietors, being assembled 
at time and place as aforesaid, whether it would not be for 3^6 best to 
make but one lotment and division in 3'e 3,000 acres and ye 3,700 
acres Grants made by ye General Court to ye Town of Sherborn, 
situate and 13'ing westward of Mendon, saving what 3"e Town has 
disposed of to pay for 3'e Purchase Grant and Badluck Cedar 
Swamp, to and among 3'e proprietors, both in Sherborn and Hollis- 
ton, and any others that rights are belonging unto them therein, 
according to such rules as 3'e said proprietors have agreed upon and 
stated, which motion, being tried by a vote, it unanimously passed 
in 3'e affirmative." 

' ' At 3'e said meeting it was proposed to 3'e said proprietors to 
lay out ye said grants to and among them, excepting what is be- 




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ALLOTMENT OF OTHER GRANTS. 37 

fore granted, in ye folb^wing manner and form — that is to say, to 
begin at 3'e northwesterly end of ye said 3,000 acres, and so to 
lay out lots across ye same till it come to ye cedar swamp called 
Badluck ; then to work on ye north side of ye 3,000 acres, begin- 
ning at ye southeast corner of ye 4,000 acres, and extending on a 
straight line with ye south side thereof until it come to Mendon 
line ; then to work westward in ye next range, then eastward 
again, and then westward, and lastly eastward, next to ye Prov- 
ince line, making but 4 ranges betwixt ye said 4,000 acres and ye 
patent line, saving 500 acres, or thereabouts, of ye roughest of ye 
land at Hedgehog Corner, and so eastward below Badluck, and at 
ye head of ye first long range against ye said 4,000 acres. Voted 
in ye afflrmative." 

' ' Voted, by ye said proprietors, that Ensign John Death and Sam- 
uel Fairlianks, David Morse, Timothy Leland, Joseph Johnson, 
James Whitne}', and John Leland, be a committee fully empow- 
ered by a vote of said proprietors to agree with a surveyor, and at 
ye cost and charge of 3-e proprietors, to la}' out ye above said land 
into lots, according to ye rule above mentioned. Voted in ye afflr- 
mative." 

'' Voted, by ye said i)roprietors, to continue their said meeting 
to ye house of Richard Gookins, on ye aforesaid day." 

'' Voted, by ye said proprietors, to contiime their said meeting 
unto ye 28th day of this present November, at ten of ye clock be- 
fore noon, at ye public meeting house in Sherborn. Voted in ye 
affirmative. 

Attest, SAMUEL BULLARD, Moderator.'' 



NAME OF NO 

PROPRIETOR. OF LOT. 

Capt. Sam'll Bullard, . . 60 

Doct. Fcairbaiik's Estate, . . 75 

Deacon Hopestill Lealand, . 53 

Eleazar Holbrook, ... 80 
John Hill, . . . .3:3 

JohiiBreck, . . . . .57 

James Adams. ... 22 

Tho. Holbrook' s Widow, . 67 

Samuel Holbrook, ... 16 

Moses Hill 124 

Jonathan Fairbanks, . . 45 

Samuel Fairbanks, . . . 40 



NAME OF 


NO. 


PROPRIETOR. 


OF LOT. 


David IMorse, 


. 93 


John Holbrook, Sen'r, 


. 47 


Joseph AVare, . 


. 113 


Daniel Morse, . 


. 98 


Eleazar Morse, 


. 7 


Noah Moses' Estate, 


2 


Arthur Clarlc, . 


. 10 


Lieut. Jonat'n ]\Iorse, 


. 68 


William Barron, 


. 63 


Mary Morse, 


. 72 


Sam'll Perry. . 


. 64 


Eleazar Rider, . 


. 56 



38 



HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 



NAME OF NO. • 

PROPRIETOR. OF LOT. 

Noah Allen, . . . .130 
Eleaz'r Fairbanks, Sen'r, . 101 

Eleaz'r Fairbanks, Jun'r, . 71 

William Rider, Sen'r, . . 1 
William Rider, Jun'r, . . 6 
Sam' 11 Williams, . . . 39 
Daniel Rider, .... 48 
The Widow Coolidge, . . 89 
James Coolidge, . . . 106 
Nathan' 1 Morse, ... 73 
Dea. Larned, .... 77 
Robert Daniel, ... 92 

James Whitney, ... 17 
The Widow West, ... 69 
Nathan' 1 Perry, . . .59 
Edmond Gookins, . . .51 
Richard Sangar, ... 81 
Moses Adams, Sen'r, . . 35 
Isaac Adams, . . . .112 
William Bull, .... 84 
William Greenwood, . . 42 
John Phipps, .... 74 
John Fisk, . . . .62 

Joseph Perry, Sen'r, .. . 65 
Ephraim Bullin, ... 97 
John Death, .... 8 
Benjamin Muzzy, ... 87 
Ebenezer Pratt, Sen'r, . . 44 
Henry Leland, . . . .48 
James Travis, .... 46 
Isaac Coolidge, ... 78 

Jonath'n Morse, Jun'r, . . 102 
Jonath'n Sewing, ... 9 
Joseph Marsh, .... 14 
Isaac Morse, Jun'r, ... 37 
Jonath. Torrey, ... 50 
Daniel Holbrook, ... 49 
Joseph Perry, Jun'r, . . 20 
Obadiah Morse, ... 27 
Ebenez'r Lealand, Sen'r, . 119 

Ebenez'r Leland, Jun'r, . . 90 
James Morse, . . . .58 
Joseph Morse, . . .15 

Ebenezer Babcock, . . . 182 
Joseph Twitchell, . . .66 



NAME OF 


NO. 


PROPKIETOR. OF LOT. 


Ephraim Twitchell, . 


Ill 


The Widow Twitchell, . 


91 


Benjamin Bullard, . 


120 


Eleaz'r Hill, Sen'r, . 


127 


Eleaz'r Hill, Jun'r, . 


105 


Solomon Hill, . 


. 115 


Nathan'l Hill, . 


25 


Benj'n Twitchell, 


29 


Ebenez'r Twitchell, 


82 


Abraham Cozens, Sen'r, . 


107 


Jacob Cozens, . 


89 


Joseph Cozens, 


. 23 


Hopestill Leland, Jun'r, . 


. 32 


Joshua Kebbe, Sen'r, 


. 36 


Joshua Kebbe, Jun'r, 


. 54 


William Leland, 


. lis 


William Sheffield, . 


. 85 


Isaac Sheffield, . 


. 52 


Daniel Sheffield, 


. 99 


Joseph Sheffield, 


. 96 


Nathaniel Sheffield, . 


10 


John Golding, . 


. 103 


George Fairbanks, . 


. 129 


Farm Aaron Morse, 


126 


Joshua Underwood, 


117 


Ebenez'r Hill, Sen'r, 


114 


Ebenez'r Hill, Jun'r, 


31 


David Hill, 


110 


Thomas Jones, 


128 


Ebenez'r Pratt, Jun'r, 


131 


John Leland, . 


. 133 


Joseph Johnson, 


. 70 


Moses Adams, Jun'r, 


121 


Benony Adams, 


100 


Isaac Morse, Sen'r, . 


34 


Timothy Leland, 


61 


James Leland, 


38 


Isaac Bullard, . 


19 


Timothy Knowlton, 


4 


Jonath'n Whitney, . 


88 


Abrah'm Cuzens, Jun'r, . 


24 


Isaac Cuzens, . 


94 


Isaac Foster, 


108 


Gershow Eames, 


116 


John Wallis, 


109 



ALLOTMENT OF OTHER GRANTS. 



39 



NAME OF NO. 

PEOPRIETOR. OF LOT. 

Joseph Lealand, ... 79 
Joliu Holbiook, Jun'r, . . 122 
Plain Aaron Morse, . . .12.5 
Edmond Morse, ... 18 
John Larned, . . . .83 
John Twitchell, ... 26 
Moses Morse, . . . .11 
David Stanford, ... 13 
The Widow Goddard, . . 12 
Cornet Whitney's Widow, . 5 



NABtF, OF 


KO. 


PROPKIETOR. OF LOT. 


James Maverick, 


21 


The Widow Babcock, 


3 


William Wait, 


28 


Benj'm Twitchell, Jun'r, 


95 


Sam'l Morse's Widow, . 


123 


Eich'd Gookin, 


30 


Benj'm Bullard, Jun'r, . 


76 


Lieut. Sawin, . 


5.5 


John Sawin, 


41 




KESIDEKCE OF DEA. ALBERT BUTLER, EAST DOUGLAS. 




EESIDEXCE OF MR. A. F. JOKES, EAST DOUGLAS. 



C HAPTER IV. 




FROM 1735—1754. 

ROIM the Sherboni Records we obtain the fol- 
lowing aceonnt of the doings of the people of 
Holliston touching what they deemed an en- 
croachment on the territory belonging to them : 
''At a meeting of ye proprietors, etc., 
holden in Holliston, November 18, 1735, Capt. 
John Death was chosen moderator to regulate 
said meeting. 

Nathaniel Sheffield was chosen agent, or 
attorney, to prosecute for or defend 3'e said 
proprietors in any action that may be brought for or against them 
— especially to prosecute an}' that hath or shall commit trespass on 
ye aforesaid common land. 

Capt. Ephraim Hill and Ensign Joseph Marsh were chosen a. 
committee to inspect, oversee, and take care of ye timber of ye 
aforesaid common land, and to secure an}- timber that is already 
cut down, and to find out if any man commits trespass on said 
common land, and make report to their agent or attorney. 

Capt. John Death, Lieut. Isaac CooUdge, and Nathaniel Shef- 
field were chosen a committee to treat with ye inhabitants that are 
already settled on ye aforesaid grants of lands, or any whom they 
shall appoint to treat with our committee, to adjust and consult 
what may be for ye best as to setting up of ye preaching of ye 
Gospel in that place — whether we shall petition ye Great and 
General Court to incorporate it to be a town, or an}' other wa}'." 

" At a meeting holden May 18, 1736, ye proprietors voted tO' 
set apart one hundred acres of 3'e common and undivided land in 
said grants where it shall be most suitable, for ye first learned, ju- 



42 HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 

•dicious Orthodox Congregational minister that shall be lawfulh' 
settled and ordained there. 

Also, voted to set apart 40 acres of land in said common and 
imdivided land for ye use and benefit of a school and school-house, 
where it shall be thought most suitable. 

Also, voted to set apart 10 acres of land in said common and 
undivided land, "where it shall be thought most suitable, to set ye 
meeting house on, and for a training field and burying place." 

"Nov. 13, 1739.— William Leland, Nathaniel Sheffield, andCapt. 
Epln-aim Hill were chosen and appointed to be a committee fully 
empowered to peramlnilate, and run linds, and renew bound marks 
with any of ye adjacent towns or proprietors who have lands ad- 
joining ye lands called New Sherborn." 

" At a meeting held at the house of William Jennison, Dec. 9, 
1765, the proprietors made choice of Capt. Caleb Hill to be their 
agent to prosecute in 3'e law (to final judgment and exec utionany 
trespass or trespasser that hath or may be committed on their un- 
divided lands or cedar swamp rights." 

The}^ also " voted to choose a committee to la}- out ye cedar 
swamp (with the assistance of a surveyor) into lots, according to 
each original proprietor's rights and property, and that whoever 
^lossesses more than one original right shall have 3-e libert}' to 
have his rights joined in one draught, and so in one lott — provided 
said possessors shall evidence to ye proprietors at 3'e time of their 
drawing lots for 3'e above division (that he or she is possessed of 
more than one right, as above said;." 

Also, " voted that but 3 of 3'e committee for laying out 3'e said 
cedar swamp shall be under pa3' at one and 3'e same time ; and 
furthermore, ye proprietors of ye above sd meeting voted that 3-6 
sd committee in lotting out sd cedar swamp shall do it equally, 
according to ye best of their judgment, both for quantity and qual- 
ity, according to each proprietor's rights. 

Ye propiietors also granted twent3'-five shilhngs towards tran- 
scribing ye Proprietors' Records for ve better accommodation of 
those proprietors that are settled in Douglas. 

Attest, DAVID WHITE, 3/oderator." 

The following document will be invested with no little interest, 
from the fact that it is, as it purports, the record of the doings at 



FROM 1735—1754. 43 

the first legal meeting of the residents of Douglas of which there 
is an}' authentic copy in existence : 

MINUTES FROM THE RECORDS OF DOUGLAS. 

The warrant calling the first town meeting of Douglas of which 
there is any record in the town archives is as follows : 

" To William Jeperson, Constabel for ye South sid of Douglas 
District, in ye County of Worcester, greeting : 

These are in his Majesty's Name to require 3'ou forthwith to 
notify all ye inhabitance in your partickulor part of Douglas Dis- 
trict how have any acounts Relative to ye Building of ye meeting 
house in said town or District, that they prepair and la}" ^'e same 
before ye Inhabitance at their meeting on ye twenty third day of 
January Next. You are also required by ye same authority to 
warn and give notice to all ve freeholdirs and others, Rattabel 
Inhabitance in j'our part of 3'e town or Destrict of Douglas, To 
meet at ye house of Ensign Joseph Marshe's, freeholder in said 
Douglas, on Friday 3'e twent}' third dav of this instant Januar}^, 
at nine of thee clock in ye forenoon on said day, then and there to 
consider and act upon 3'e following articles, ^iz : 

1. To choose a suitable person for a Moderator of said meeting. 

2. To see if 3'e Inhabitance of 3'e town or Destrict will invite 
Mr. James Weelman to seetel with them in 3'e work of 3'e gospell 
ministr3'. 

3. To see what 3'earl3' salery 3'e Inhabitance will give Mr. 
Weelman as an encouragement to setel in 3'e work of 3'e gospell 
ministr3'. 

4. To see wheir 3'e inhabitance will receive and allow ye ac- 
counts Relating to 3'e building of said meeting house which shall 
be laid before them. 

5. To see wt sum or sums of money the3' will grant for defre3^- 
ing 3'e charges which all Read3' have arisen, or shall arise by 
means of inclosing 3'e meeting-house in said town. 

6. To see whether ye Inhabitance will vote to levv a tax on 
3'e lands which belong to themselves equall to wt 3'e grate and 
Generall Court have ordered to be assessed on land belonging to 
3'e non Residents. 



44 HISTORY OP EAST DOUGLAS. 

And make return of this warrant with your floins-s therein att 
or befoi'e 3'e daj^ above mentioned. 

Dated Douglps Destrict, January eiglit, Anno Domini 174G, '7. 

Samuel Dudley, "] Selectmen 
Joseph Marsh, ' V of 
Ephraim Hill, J Douglas. 

Pursuant to ye foregoing warrent, ye Inhabitance met and made 
choice of Capt. Caleb Hill for a Moderator to Regulate sd meeting. 

lly. Ye District voted to have ye accounts together. 

21y. Ye articual in j& warrant, Relating to giving Mr. .James 
Weelman a call to settle in ye work of 3'e Gospell ministr}^ in 
Douglas, passed in ye Negative. 

Sly. Ye severall sums and acounts which was brought and 
laid before ye town or Destrict towards building ye meeting house 
in sd Douglas on said day are excepted and allowed by ye Inhabi- 
tance of Douglas. 

41y. Ye Town or Destrict voted to grant three hundred pounds 
old tenor for defraying ye charges of building ye meeting house in 
Douglas Destrict. 

51y. Ye Town or Destrict voted to levy a tax upon their own 
land equall to ye tax the Great and Genrall Court have laid upon 
ye non-residents proprietors." 

The records of 1747 show that the farm of Jonas Wheeler, in Sut- 
ton, was set off from that town and annexed to Douglas. A rav- 
enous wolf had been committing depredations on Mr. Wheeler's 
live stock, and, with a courageousness that seems to have been 
duly appreciated, after arming himself with a good flint-lock mus- 
ket, he sallied forth and slew the ferocious animal, and laid it as a 
trophy of the exploit before the Selectmen for a bounty. In con- 
sideration of the important service done to his neighbors by dis- 
patching sufli a mutual enemy, Mr. Wheeler's taxes were omitted 
for the current 3'ear. Wolves were not only quite numerous at this 
time, but deer also abounded, and their flesh formed a most accept- 
able article of food. 

The spirit of energy and enterprise among the inhabitants 
of the town seems to have shown itself almost immediatel}' on their 
attaining to independence of the town of Sherborn — a fact not 



FROM 1735—1754. 45 

diffijiilt to account for, either on the ground of freedom from for- 
mer restraints, or of an inspiration begotten of their new condi- 
tion. Perhaps in nothing is the real public spiritedness, not tosa}' 
the good connnon sense, of a community more practical!}' mani- 
fested than on the subject of providing facilities for intercourse 
and communication with each other and their neighbors. Roads 
are a first necessity, felt to be so from the earliest ages ; and the 
earliest Roman history abounds in records of some of the grandest 
achievements in this line, the remains of which challenge the admi- 
ration of the world. The very first year's records of the town are 
entirely creditable on this point. In September, 1747, the follow- 
ing minute shows that "a road was laid out from ' ye widow Car- 
penter's old hous,' running southward down a rocky hill to Ever- 
ton's lands, and from thence ' to sd Everton's siler.'" Two other 
roads Avere laid out on the same day, and were promptly acccepted 
by the town. Most of these, it should be said, perhaps, were sim- 
ply unfenced and ungraded paths through the woods and fields, 
quite passable, however, for the " rolling stock " of those da^'s, 
and generally leading from the habitations of the settlers to the 
meeting-house, a point never lost sight of in those times. Their 
course was usually indicated by hewn trees and heaps of stones. 
Some of them were designated as "■ l)ridle roads." Considerate as 
our fathers always seem to have been, the owners of the lands 
adjoining these rude highways were permitted to maintain bars 
across them — a very pardonable obstruction to travel, as we shall 
all concede when we call to mind the scarcity of fences which must 
then have prevailed, and the difficulty in any other wa}' of prevent- 
ing the cattle from straying, often beyond recovery. 

An entr}^ in the records under the date of Aug. 31, 1748, 
signed by John Marsh, Town Clerk, gives a list of five persons, 
said to comprise all the legal voters in the town or district of Doug- 
las at that time. Their names were Joseph Marsh, Ephraim Hill, 
Caleb Hill, Thomas Jepherson and Isaac Comings. The names of 
Caleb Hill and Joseph Titus were appended as Assessors, although 
the latter was not included in the list of legal voters. The town 
clerk's name was also omitted, from which we conclude that men 
were eligible to oflUce who were denied the right of suflE"rage. The 
statement, however, forms no basis for estimating the population 
of the town, for, as will b3 seen by the proceedings of the annual 



46 HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 

meeting which took place in the previous March, a considerable 
number of persons were elected to office whose names were not 
enrolled as voters. It is hardly reasonable to suppose that every 
man, like those in Artemus AYard's home guards, was an officer, 
hence there must have been between fifty and one hundred resi- 
dents in town, all but five of whom, though competent to manage 
the affairs of a town corporation, were nevertheless debarred from 
the right of assisting to elevate their fellow citizens to a like dig- 
nit}'. 

The elective franchise was deemed in those da3's to have been 
secured at altogether too great a cost to be held either in any tri\'ial 
estimate or to be bestowed on those not capable of appreciating the 
weight}^ responsibiUty attaching to it. The people of our own 
times might profit by the example of our fathers in this particular, 
learnino; as much from the mistake which Rhode Island committed 
for so many years (on the point of property qualification), as from 
the greater blunder of admitting to the rights of suffrage those 
who have as good as no fair opportunity of becoming acquainted 
with the genius of our civil polity. 

In March of this year the town chose Joseph Titus and Joseph 
Morse to take care of the " choole monny," and Dea. John Marsh 
and Joseph Robbins were chosen " Tj'thing-men." 

The amount appropriated for building and repairing the high- 
ways was £200 (old tenor), which was to be " worked out." 

Educational matters received some attention at this meeting, 
three months of summer schooling being voted, although it does 
not appear that an^^ money was appropriated to meet the expense. 
There was but one school- house in town, and that was used until the 
meeting-house was built for almost all purposes of a public nature. 
This school was kept in what is now the Center village, but which 
was then only a ver^- sparsely settled neighborhood, in the midst 
of an almost unbroken forest, through which the scholars were 
obliged daily to make their wa}* by following difficult trails. 

The last paragraph in the record of this meeting is as follows, 
which we give precisely as it stands in the records : 

" Voted that the town meetings shoud bee adarned for time to 
Com by a Notifycation and the anual meeting should bee on the 
second monday in march the swine to go at large." 




JOSEPH LEE PLACE — RESIDENCE OF MBS. ADALIXE STARRETT, 

EAST DOUGLAS. 




PARSONAGE, DOUGLAS CENTER — RESIDENCE OF REV. W. W. DOW. 



48 HISTORY OF EAST DOUGLAS. 

At this date the meeting-house at the Center was in process of 
erection, and the expense was met b}' contributions of material and 
money from the public treasury, for at this period the fact of the 
indebtedness of the State to the Church was more palpable to the 
^reat body of the people than now, when the numerous depart- 
ments into which the religious element finds itself organized natu- 
rally complicates this whole question. The work had progressed 
so far that it was occupied for an adjourned meeting on the 11th of 
April, 1748, although floors, windows and doors were not put in 
until some time thereafter. At this meeting the sum of £1-40 was 
voted " for finishing the meeting house so far as it is done." 

On the 11th of August another meeting was held, when Mr. 
Joseph Marsh, who, it appears, superintended the work of erecting 
the meeting-house, was allowed twenty-five shillings for his ex- 
penses. A committee was also appointed to furnish boards, and 
£54 were appropriated to pay for them. 

At a subsequent meeting (date not given), Isaac Comings, Jer- 
emiah Whiting and William Davenport were chosen to call upon 
the Treasurer and Collector for an account of their receipts and ex- 
penditures. The reports showed that there had been collected 
from resident and non-resident tax-payers the sum total of £89 6s. 
8d. , besides a small amount which Joseph Marsh was allowed to re- 
tain in consideration of the fact that he furnished food and lodging 
for the carpenters employed on the meeting-house. More lumber 
being required to finish the edifice, Benjamin Wallis was instructed 
to provide one thousand feet of the best white pine boards. 

The custom now in vogue, of jealously guarding the legal 
scope of the business transacted at the public meetings of the 
voters, and also by whom the business at these meetings is to be 
done, is not without an early precedent, for we find that at this 
meeting Caleb Hill filed a protest, setting forth that the warrant 
"was not issued according to law. This was the forerunner of an 
extensive imbroglio, which became more full}' developed after the 
, annual meeting held on the 13th of March, 1749. The warrant, 
which was issued by the Selectmen, and served b}' Constable Jo- 
seph Balcom, contained an article to see whether the town would 
allow all freeholders, in other words, parsons owning" real es- 
tate in fee simple, to vote for the election of officers. Capt. Hill 
and others opposed this, on the ground that it was contrary to all 



FROM 1735—1754. 49 

the laws which had been enacted. After considerable discussion, 
however, the article was carried, and the regular business of the 
meeting proceeded with. Among the officers chosen were John 
Marsh, Town Clerk ; John Marsh, Thomas Cook and Isaac Cum- 
mings, Selectmen. 

It was voted that whosoever should take or recei-s-e cattle from 
•other towns should pa}' ten shillings per head, and four persons 
were designated to receive the money. The only other business 
of importance transacted was tlie acceptance of a new road, laid 
out by the Selectmen from the '' south end of Douglas district to ye 
meeting house," and an appropriation of £150 for mending high- 
ways." 

Capt. Hill, the leader in the opposition to freeholders haAaug a 
Toice in the election of officers, was so much dissatisfied with the 
course adopted that he circulated a petition to the General Court, 
then in session, asking that the proceedings of the meeting be an- 
milled. This, of course, drew out the strength of the opposite 
party, and on the 2'Jth of Ma}' following a meeting of freehold- 
ers was held in the meeting-house, at which it was voted to oppose 
the petition, and Isaac Comings, Samuel Parker, John Marsh and 
William Davenport were chosen to act in their behalf. Pending 
the presentation of this petition to the General Court, the following 
terms of settlement were proposed by the petitioners, and consid- 
ered in a meeting of the inhabitants on the 5th of June : 

1st. That the petitioners shall drop their petition at the Great 
and General Court, and proceed no further therewith. 

2d. That all the town officers which were chosen at the meeting 
in the month of March last past shall stand in their posts for the 
present year, and that all notes which were paid at said meeting 
shall be esteemed as good and valid by the town. 

3d. That the town allow all freeholders to vote in town affairs 
for the present year. 

4th. That there be a new valuation taken in the month of Au- 
gust next by the Assessors, and if the petitioners with the said 
town cannot agree who are qualified according to law to vote in 
town affairs by said valuation, then they, the petitioners and the 
agent of the town, will lav the valuation which the Assessors have 
taken, as aforesaid, some convenient time before the next annual 
town meeting, in the month of March, before John Ilarwood and 
4- 



50 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Robert Goddard, Esqs., for them to judge and determine who are 
quaUfied according to hiw to vote in town meeting for time to come, - 
and that we will make the list of qualified voters left l\y them with. 
the town clerk our rule to proceed by for that year, and untiL 
another valuation is taken. 

5th. That there be a town meeting called, and that the for- 
mer town clerks. Captain Hill and Esquire Cady, bring the min- 
utes of such town meetings which they have by them, which shonld 
have been put upon record by them when the town book was 
in their hands, and lay them before the town, to see if the town 
shall think proper to order them to be put upon record. 

The first four articles of this agreement were adopted, and the 
fifth postponed for further consideration ; but the obnoxious peti- 
tion was nevertheless pressed upon the attention of the General 
Court. On the 20th of June the town voted to send in a counter 
petition, setting forth reasons why the "March meeting last past 
should not be broken up ;" and in case the reasons were unheeded, 
it was decided further to petition for a nullification of all meetings 
held contrary to law since the town was incorporated. 

After mature consideration of the points involved in dispute, 
the court coincided with Captain Hill b}^ ruling that the annual 
meeting was illegal, and appointed Samuel Da^ds of Oxford, 
Capt. Robert Taft of Mendon, and Capt. John Farnum of Ux- 
bridge, to make a list of valuation of all the real and personal 
effects belonging to the inhabitants of the town, that the qualified 
voters might be known, and lodge the same with Robert Goddard, 
Esq., a justice of the peace for the county of Worcester. Thia 
left the town without a government. 

On the 22d of August, pursuant to a warrant issued by Robert 
Goddard, under authority of the court, another meeting was held, 
and the following officers chosen and qualified according to law : 
Town Clerk, John Marsh ; Selectmen, John Marsh, Isaac Comings, 
William Davenport ; Assessors, William Jepherson, William Dav- 
enport, Seth Marsh; Treasurer, Jeremiah Whiting ; Tything-men, 
Joseph Robbins, Benjamin Titus, Thomas Cook ; Constables, 
Samuel Taft, Lorenzo Robbins. These gentlemen continued to- 
serve the remainder of the 3'ear with unquestioned authority. 

At the animal town meeting held March 12, " 1749-50," John 
Marsh was chosen Town Clerk. For " mending highways " £200 



FEOM 1735—1754. 51 

(old tenor) was granted, a man to have £1 per da}' in June, July 
and August, and at all other tunes but 14s. A committee was 
also chosen to provide a school, which was to be continued for a 
period of six months, and Seth Marsh, Caleb Hill and Samuel 
Dudley were appointed to carr}' out this vote. 

Aug. 13, 1750. — Voted, that " the committee chosen to glaze 
the meeting house should have their mone}- as soon as it was re- 
ceived from the non-residents," and a proposition to "inquire into 
the reasons why Rev. Mr. Phipps had not received his last year's 
salary " was voted down. From the few brief hints given by these 
laconic records it is somewhat difficult to understand whether the 
real animus of these seeming opponents of the reUgious teacher 
of the town was of a merelj' personal or general character. It 
would seem that the fate attending the famous Captain Weston's 
colony at Wessagussett, as the town of Weymouth was then called, 
ought to have settled the scruples of any inclined to venture upon 
any similar experiment, for it is a notable fact that the ignoring of 
religion entirely by this offshoot of Pl3'mouth Colony as a commu- 
nity, ended, after a fair trial, in such thorough demorahzation as 
not only to render these colonists a bj'-word of reproach even 
among their Indian neighbors, but so abjectly destitute also as to 
make them objects of charity on the part of their white brethren. 

In the month of September of this same 3'ear, at another legal 
meeting, the town voted not "to allow Rev. Mr. Phipps £50 in 
place of the same amount expected but not received from Dr. Doug- 
las." The failure of Doctor Douglas to fulfill his promises of finan- 
cial aid to the town seems never to have caused any special bitter- 
ness of feeling toward him on that account, so far as any reference 
is made to the subject on the town records. This has given rise to 
the suggestion that their non-fulfillment was caused by embarrass- 
ment, or from causes beyond his control. Possibly the libel suit 
in which he became involved after the publication of the first vol- 
ume of his Historical Summar}', which is said to have been the 
reason why he put his property out of his own immediate posses- 
sion at one time, may have had something to do with his ultimate 
failure in this regard. 

Dec. 27, 1750. — Voted to petition the General Court for the an- 
nexation of the farms of Mr. Draper and Mr. Murdock. Also to 



52 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

' ' sell the scool lot lying b}^ the meethig house to the hiest bider, 
at £6 (old tenor) per acre." 

March 11, 1751. — At the annual election of officers, Jeremiah 
Whiting was chosen Town Clerk, and William Davenport, John 
Leonard and Captain Hill, Selectmen. 

Ma}^ G , 1 75 1 . — Voted that the width of ' ' conterj' roads " should 
be four rods, and town roads two rods. The letter "'D" was 
adopted for a town brand. It was also voted to let out the school 
money upon interest, and to build a pound. 

June 12, 1751. — The voters assembled at the house of Capt. 
Caleb Hill, inn-holder, chose Edward Aldrich surveyor of high- 
ways, and adjourned without transacting further business. 

August 30, 1751. — Voted to petition the General Court for an 
omission of the Province tax, and Capt. Caleb Hill chosen to cany 
the petition to Boston. 

March 9, 1752. — The record under this date shows " Caleb Plill 
chosen ' Destrict Clark,' and Jeremiah Whiting, Ralph Shepard, 
Capt. DaAdd White and Jedediah Phipps Selectmen. Refused to 
raise ye minister's salary to £50 per annum, also to remunerate 
Captain Stearns ' for ye trouble he have bin put to ' concerning ye 
line between Douglas and Uxb ridge, and to sell a tract of land 
given by ye proprietors of ' Shearbourn ' for \e benefit of a school. 
It was voted to have a reading school kept six months in 3'e sev- 
eral parts of ye town, and £2 2s. 8d. appropriated for its support." 

Oct. 11, 1752. — A committee was chosen " to confer with Rev. 
Mr. Phipps about ye price of Indian corn for ye present 3'ear, in 
order that ye minister's sallary rate may be made." 

Nov. 3, 1752. — Voted to put seats into the meeting-house. 

March 12, 1753.— Capt. David White and Capt. Caleb Hill 
were chosen a committee to secure to the district the donations of 
Dr. Wm. Douglas. Voted to sell the land given by the proprietors 
of Sherburn for the benefit of a school. 

Aug. 20, 1753. — \'oted to raise £8, lawful money, to provide a 
town stock of arms and anniumition, according to law. Dea. John 
Marsh was allowed six shillings for keeping the key and sweeping 
the meeting-house. The salary of the Town Treasurer was fixed 
at £1 per year. The town voted to provide a " funeral cloth." 

Nov. 26, 1753. —The friction touching Rev. Mr. Phipps' clerical 
relation comes up again, as the record states that " propositions to 



FROM 1735—1754. 53 

readjust 3-6 ministers salary, and to see what ye town would do 
about a school were passed over." 

Feb. 11, 1754. — By vote of the town the price of Indian corn 
was set at 2s. 4d. per bushel for the 3'ear. 

April 10, 1754. — The committee chosen to secure the donation 
of Doctor Douglas were directed to " demand, receive and recover 
the remainder of said donations, in l^ehalf of the town" — the only 
reference to this matter, thus far, having the shghtest caustic flavor. 

Some of the older inhabitants will remember the time when 
tithing-men were chosen among the other officers of the town, as 
regularly as the annual town meeting came round, some of the most 
respectable and dignified men in the town being selected for this 
position. Their badge of office was a long staff; and it was their 
duty to be regularly present in the meeting-house on the Sabbath, 
and to note any disturbance in or around the premises. They took 
care that all should be in the meeting-house before the services 
commenced, and also had an eye on those who were among the ab- 
sentees from church ; and inasmuch as all labor and traveling on 
the Sabbath was forbidden by law, it became the duty of these 
officials to see the law enforced in this respect also, as well as 
that which prohibited all playing, amusement or unnecessary work 
on the Lord's Day. 



CHAPTER V 



FROM 1754-1791. 




MORE amiable relation between the peo- 
ple and the minister now begins to appear, 
as this record of the town meeting shows : 
Ma.y 20. 1754. —The following propo- 
sition was sent to Rev. William Phipps : 

' ' The District of Douglas do agree to 
gi-se to our reverend pastor, Rev. Mr. 
William Phipps, for his suital^le encour- 
agement and comfortable support, to 
.preach the gospel among us during the 
term of seven ^'ears next to come, the sum of £53 Gs. 8d., lawful 
money, for his yearly salaiy, one half of said salaiy to be paid to 
our said pastor in money, and the other half in labor, in the lieu of 
the contract made witli our said pastor the twenty-third da}" of 
October, 1747." 

The pastor signified his willingness to accept these terms, upon 
condition, however, that the amount to be paid in labor should be 
paid within the compass of each of the seven years, and in such 
husbandry work as lie would be willing to accept, which was ac- 
ceded to by the town. 

Aug. 13, 1754. — A settlement of accounts between Mr. Phipps 
and the town took place, when the treasurer and minister signed 
the following document, which certainly evinces anything but an 
unamiable relation between him and his parishioners : 

." Upon a careful adjustment of all accounts and Demands this 
D&j made, between the Treasurer of the District of Douglas and 
in behalf of the District, and the Pastor or Lawful Congregational 
minister of the same, it appears that said Destrict and minister 



FROM 1754—1791. 55 

iipon a balance are cleare and Each of said parties eleare : of all 
Dues unto or Demands of money upon Each other Relaiting to said 
minister's sallarv : of any Name or Tenor whatsoever: viz., from 
the begining of the world to the first Day of march Last past. 

W. Phips, Co7igrega'l minister. 
J ERE. Whiting, Treas." 

Nov. 4, 1754. — The town granted £G, lawful money, for the 
support of a school, and authorized the Selectmen to determine 
its location. 

Dec. 27, 1755. — In obedience to an act imposing a tax upon 
distilled spirits, the town clerk reported that the amount of rum 
consumed by families in town, bought out of the Pro%ince, was 
twenty-nine gallons and three quarts. It wouldn't appear from this 
that intemperance prevailed to any ver}' great extent at this date, 
though a query arises about the reliableness of this " return." 

Oct. 6, 1757. — The sura of £10 was appropriated for the sup- 
port of schools, to l)e set up in five parts of the town. 

Dec. 10, 1759. — ^"oted to petition the General Court for license 
to set up a lottery, to repair the road in Douglas from John Marsh's 
to the Connecticut line, the benefit from said lottery to amount to 
$1,000, exclusiA-e of charges. Capt. Caleb Hill, Capt. David 
"White and Ensign Jedediah Phipps were appointed to present the 
petition. 

March 10. 17G0. — Voted to build a fence around the burying- 
ground, at an expense of $6. 

In 1769, " inasmuch as the Proprietors' original plans are much 
impaired and grown dull, and hardly legible, it was voted to desire 
Joseph Twitchell to new draught them, agreeable to the Proprie- 
tors' Records." 

In February, 1773, the old school-house near the church was 
turned into a work-house — a sort of penitentiary, where people 
were confined and put to hard labor for the crime of poverty. Its 
use for such a purpose made it an object of special aversion to all 
whom necessity had made the subjects of public charity. 

The depreciation of currency operated to largely increase the 
obfio-ations of the town, and the treasurer's account exhibited a 
debt of £2,500, which was paid otf in November, 1 7<S0. The early 
inhabitants had a horror of debt, and their management of finan- 




TIIAYEll's ULOCK, MAIN STREET, EAST DOUGLAS. 



FROM 1754—1791. 57 

cial matters was in striking contrast with that of the present da}^ 
If a person innocently came in possession of counterfeit money, of 
which there Avas a considerable quantity in circulation, it would 
be redeemed at the expense of the town, and many instances maj^ 
be found on record where this was done. When the Revolution 
was ended, the Continental money on hand was sent to a Boston 
broker for disposal. There was considerable of it in the treasury, 
but its value was very uncertain, and a committee was chosen to 
count it, and to see that it was disposed of to the best advantage. 
'• Cornering the market " was practiced b}- speculators then as well 
as now, but the people had an effectual way of stopping it. Com- 
mittees were chosen to ' ' take care of those persons who buy and 
sell articles to raise the extraordinary price." Such an item as 
this last one makes ns wish now and then that the same sort of 
'' care " were in order to-day. 

The following description of the appearance presented b}' our 
town long ago will he read with interest : 

Main street was originally a turnpike, owned and controlled by 
a stock company, and was the most important thoroughfare be- 
tween Boston and New York. An immense amount of staging 
and teaming was done over this road, particularly during the war 
of 1812, when large quantities of stores and thousands of passen- 
gers were conveyed between the principal eastern towns. There 
was a toll-gate at Badluck Pond (afterwards removed to near 
where V. M. Aldrich now lives), one in Mendon, and another at 
Bellingham. Twelve and a half cents was the amount which each 
person on horseback or with chaise was required to pay at these 
gates. Large quantities of flour were transported from New York 
to Boston over this route, requiring the emplo^-ment of man}' horses 
and men. Usually a number of teamsters would club together and 
employ a separate team to carry food and fodder to the places of 
rendezvous. Collins Thayer, a brother of our present townsman, 
Mr. Asa Thayer, was largel}' engaged in teaming over this turn- 
pike, and generally drove a tandem team of four horses. 

For the accommodation of all this travel and business, numerous, 
hotels were kept in every town, and there were then more public 
houses in Douglas than will probably ever be again. The principal 
one was kept at the Center by Paul Dudley, on the site of the 
present one kept by James H. Dudley. We believe there has been 



58 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

a hotel kept on this spot for a centuiy, uninterruptedly, always 
bearing a good character, and never passing out of the hands of the 
Dudleys. Being " to the manor born," Mr. Dudley ought to know 
how to " keep a hotel," and evidentl}' does know. The character 
■of the house has, of course, been greatly changed since those days, 
as time has wrought changes in everything. When night came on 
the 3'ard was generally filled with vehicles of travelers, who par- 
took of the hospitality of the wayside inn while their horses were 
comfortably provided for in the adjoining stables. The lumbering 
stage-coach, carrying the mails and passengers, would roll by at 
regular intervals, then the only vehicle of public conveyance. The 
•construction of railroads has diverted all this travel and business 
into new channels, and, instead of being the busy scene of com- 
merce and activity, the Center is now a quiet l)ut industrious 
■community of farmers and artisans ; and the hotel, though losing 
none of its respectabilit}-, is no longer the scene of bustle and 
commotion, and has become a quiet, retired resort for summer 
boarders, and a favorite stopping place for those who delight in 
eating good dinners and sleeping in clean, comfortable beds. 

A public house was also kept on the Asa Thayer place, about a 
mile east of the village of East Douglas, in Uxbridge ; and Israel 
Thayer also kept a hotel near the lower village factory, although 
the inn-holder's license w^as in the name of Benjamin WaUis, 3d. 
In 1818 the " Gale House " was open to the public, and was kept 
for a short time by Beniah Morse. 

The two-story brick building now standing on the Caleb Hill 
place was originally built of wood, before the Revolution, and was 
used for many years as a hotel by Capt. Caleb Hill. The house 
has been kept in good repair, no material changes having been 
made in its interior arrangement. It will, no doubt, outlast many 
of the more modern houses. The large, old-fashioned stone chim- 
ney, with its oven and smoke-hole for smoking hams, and the 
beaufet, with its shelves for decanters, glasses and loaf sugar, still 
remains ; and the old tavern sign which, a century ago, welcomed 
the traveler seeking rest and refreshment, is now carefully pre- 
served by the Hill family. This sign has been painted three 
times, the last time in 1800, and bears the coat of arms of the 
♦State of Massachusetts on one side, and the national eagle and 
motto on the other. Underlying this last painting that of a for- 



FROM 1754—1791. 



59 



mer one is distinctly visible, and so perfect that the accompanying 

accurate copy of it has been enoraved. The sign presents the 

same figure and inscription on both sides. 

Over the fire-phice. in what was once the waiting-room of the 

hotel, is a panel painted in oil — a view of the City of Boston in 

its infancT. This was 
preserved until within 
a few years, when, in 
making some repairs, it 
received a coat of white 
paint. 

The fine common in 
front of the house has 
))een cut through in 
making subsequent im- 
proAcments in Main 
street, and its beauty 
was greatly impaired 
thereby. It was once 
the favorite village 
training ground. The 
house, although origi- 
nally ])uilt of wood, 
was transformed into 
one of brick by con- 
structing the walls out- 
side of the original 
frame, about the 3'ear 
1817. Captain Hill, 
the first proprietor, 
was one of the prin- 
cipal men of Douglas, 

MOSES HILL TAVERN SIGN. ^,^^1 oCCUpicd mauy 

public positions. lie was the progenitor of a numerous family, 
many of the descendants of whom are still residents of the town. 
He was succeeded in the office of landlord by his son Moses. At 
his death, Calel), father of the present owner, came into its pos- 
session, but it was closed as a public house, and has since remained 
a private dwelling. Away l)ack in the history of the town, we 





Hi 

O 

o 
A 

r+ 
a) 



W 



<1 
A 

O 

W 
o 

CO 



FROM 1754—1791. 61 

find that it was a common thing for the voters to assemble at 
this hotel to shape the tlestinies of the tovviu and to devise 
measures for supporting the Continental armies in the struggle 
with Great Britain. Here, too, in later years, during the Shay 
insurrection, the incident recorded in another cliapter took place. 

The '■ Douglas and Provideuce turnpike" was l)uilt about the 
year 180'S. through what was almost a dense forest. Another 
turnpike, which was a continuation of the Providence road, ex- 
tended from Douglas to Oxford, and for many 3'ears it was the 
most direct route for tra^■el between Providence and the towns in 
this vicinity. It passed through the meadows now tl(^wed by the 
Whitin reservoir, and by the house of Joseph Wallis, which stood 
in about the centre of the submerged territory. Benjamin Adams 
was the owner of a large tract of land in Douglas Woods, includ- 
ing the Streeter farm, so-called. The '• Gore turnpike," through 
these woods, was built in 1<S2G, through the exertions of Benjamin 
Adams and Paul Dudley. It led from Dudley's tavern to AVebster. 
Previous to the construction of this road, the only way to get to 
Webster was through East Thompson, or around through Oxford. 

Prior to 1832 the territory lying west of Douglas, now Web- 
ster, was known as "Oxford South Gore," and a road crossing 
the turnpike in the south part of the town was known as the " Gore 
road." In 1814 there stood at the junction of these two roads a 
building, then showing marks of age, which was known as the 
Cotfee House, and had in former times been kept as a hotel. This 
was the last house on the turnpike before reaching the Rhode Is- 
land line. Joseph Hunt and John Adams, two old residents of 
Douglas, can distinctly remember every family living on the turn- 
pike at that time, and have related to us the following : James 
Tilley tenanted the Cotfee House near Badluck Pond. Then, going 
towards the Center, came the t\irms or residences of two Chase 
families, Philip Howell, Barnabas F. Howell (a hatter), Levi 
Morse, Minor ]\Iorse and Pliny .Johnson, the latter living upon what 
is known as the '• Stoddard place." Then came Paul Dudley's 
hotel, the parsonage and church, and the residencesof David Dud- 
ley, Oliver Hunt. Samuel Balcom, Henry Kidell, Joseph Emerson 
and Stephen Southworth, all at the Center. J^dnnuul Carpenter 
and Nathaniel Carpenter lived at Ceuterville, the latter a tanner. 
The only houses on that part of the turnpike running through East 



62 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Douglas were those of Moses Holbrook and Benjamin Cragin (at 
the Lovell Southwick place), Caleb Hill (at the old tavern stand) ^ 
Emory Taft (present residence of Rev. Wm.. T. Briggs), Capt. 
Joseph Hunt, Samuel Legg, James Farvvell, Isaac Gale (near the- 
Axe Company's office), widow Sprague (at the Nahum Legg place), 
and Widow Harwood (at the Noah Taft place). Aaron Hill, a 
one-armed man, whose chief occupation was pigeon-catching, lived 
on the place now occupied by Gr. W. Manahan, just in the edge of 
the -village. Noah Taft lived on the Howell farm, in the hollow, 
formerly known as the " Sprague house," and where once stood a 
blacksmith shop. Widow White's was the last residence on the 
turnpike before reaching the Uxbridge line. Other families, of 
course, there were in town, but they did not live on the turnpike. 
A distiller}- formerl}' stood upon the site of Anderson Hunt's pres- 
ent residence, and was torn down in 1822, when John Adams built, 
the house now standing. 

Lovell Pulsipher represented the town in the General Court in 
1789, and also in the year following. LTnder instruction from the 
town he took charge of a number of the State's poor whom the Leg- 
islature had ordered to be removed from the town of Boston. 

All officers of the State or town, before assuming the duties of 
their respective positions, were required to renounce and abjure all 
►"allegiance, subjugation and obedience to the king, queen or gov- 
ernment of Great Britain, and to declare that no foreign prince, 
person or potentate ought to have any jurisdiction over them. 

The bridge overthe Mumford river, near Caleb Hill's, was built, 
in 1787. Persons from all parts of the town were allowed to work 
out their highway taxes upon it, and they were credited as though 
the same amoimt of work was performed in their own districts. 

Aaron Marsh was chosen Representative in 1792, receiving forty- 
four votes, the whole number cast. 

ScA-eral cases of small-pox appeared in that year, but the town 
voted not to allow inoculation to prevent the spread of the disease. 
In the winter of 1825 this terrible disease again made its appear- 
ance, attended with a feai'ful mortalit}'. The first case was a. 
daughter of John Aldrich, and within the next few weeks the fol- 
lowing-named persons died of the disease : John Aldrich ; Joseph 
Aldrich ; the wife, son and daughter of Paul White ; Willis Walker ; 
Joshua Fairbanks ; James Lee and wife ; Mrs. Tiffimy ; Joseph 



FROM 1754—1791. 6S 

Richardson, Jr. ; Mrs. Harwood, and a child named Aldrich. 
The persons above mentioned inchided some of the most respected 
residents of the town, and the ravages of the pestilence in sweep- 
ing them away caused great sadness aijd gloom throughout the 
entire community. About thirty cases existed at this time, some of 
them taken in the natural way, and others by inoculation. 

The meeting-hoiise, having become rusty with age, in Septem- 
ber, 1793, it was voted to have it "colored," and Mr. Aaron 
Marsh was instructed to procure the materials and superintend 
the work. In the following j-ear the windows were repaired. To 
meet the expense of these repairs it was voted to sell the pew 
ground that belonged to the town, and apply the proceeds to 
this purpose. 

In 1799 Jeremiah Whiting led off in a proposition, which the 
town adopted, respecting the pastor's salary. Afterward some 
doubt arose in regard to the import of this A'ote, when it was made 
clear by the following explanation : 

Whereas, In my proposal to the town of Douglas, dated June 
27, 1799, I proposed that the town should pay to the Congrega- 
tional teacher of piety, morality and religion of the town of Douglas, 
fourteen dollars annually, and as doubts arise respecting the 
meaning of said proposal in that case, therefore I would mean 
to be understood that the town of Douglas shall make use of said 
fourteen dollars annually for to pay the public teacher as aforesaid 
for his services in the ministry' of said town of Douglas. 

The town was not represented in the General Court in 1793, but 
in the following j-ear Aaron Marsh, who was also town clerk, was 
chosen representative. A resolve of the Legislature called for an 
accurate map of each township, and Mr. Marsh was chosen to make 
such a map, with the assistance of two of the Selectmen. 

In 1794 the town voted to make up the pay of non-commissioned 
officers and soldiers, enlisted or detached by order of Congress, to- 
ten dollars per month, and to pa}' a bounty of nine dollars upon 
passing muster. 

Massachusetts was divided into Congressional Districts in the 
year 1794, and Douglas was one of the towns constituting the Third 
Western District. Dwight Foster was elected Representative to 
Congress. A memorial from the inhabitants of Douglas, addressed 
to him at Philadelphia, was replied to as follows : 



64 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Philadelphia, May 12, 179G. 
Gentlemen : I had the pleasure on Monday last to receive the 
Memorial of the Inhabitants of Douglas relative to the appropria- 
tions for defraying the expense of carrying the treaty lately nego- 
.tiated between the United States and Great Britain into eftect. I 
immediately presented the Memorial to the House of Representa- 
tives, and it is, with others of a similar kind, laid on the table. 
Happily, previous to that time a bill for the purpose had passed 
both houses of Congress, and had been approved by the President. 
This subject has caused great anxiety and agitation. It was highly 
momentous and important to our country. That the people at 
large should have been alarmed was not surprising. Their good 
sense and the information generally diffused enabled them to judge 
■what would have been the consequences of a refusal on the 
part of the legislative body to make the necessary provisions. 
Gonsequences would have ensued which appeared dreadful in the 
extreme, and which were most devoutly to be deprecated. I con- 
gratulate you on the happy result, and must confess I feel a pleasure 
in reflecting that, in the discharge of what I considered to be my 
duty, I have conducted it agreeably to the sentiments of so great a 
proportion of my respected fellow citizens. 

I have the honor to 'be, with great respect, gentlemen, 3'our 

most obed. servt. 

D WIGHT Foster. 
Selectmen of Douglas. 

The above letter, in a good state of preservation, is filed Siway 
with miscellaneous documents in the office of the town clerk. 

The following ' ' balance sheet " of the town Treasurer, nearly 
a hundred years ago, may serve as an excellent model in simplicity 
and economy for contemplation in these days : 

TOW^N TREASURER'S ACCOUNT IN 1791. 
The Town of Douglas to Lf. Benjamin Wallis, Jrr, Town Treasurer : 

Dr. 

To paid Selectmen's orders, 

Two orders from Abel Foster, ..... 

Paid on Natli'l Brown's note', 

Jolm Gould, remitted rates, 

Four Selectmen's orders, 

Sum total, 301 19 



£289 


1 


11 


2 


1 


15 


6 








12 


6 








7 


5 





10 


1 


9 


1 



FROM 1754—1791. 



65 



£248 


13 


7 


3 


6 











5 


10 








5 


14 








5 


G 











15 


8 


.0 


2 


15 








4 


4 


5 


2 


1 


17 


2 





1 





7 





4 


12 


6 





2 


14 


6 








3 


8 





10 


1 


9 


1 


£299 


8 


11 


2 


£2 


10 


2 


1 



Cr. 

By received town taxes, 
John Whiting, note for pew, 
Benj. Wallis, Jr., note for pew, . 
Caleb Whiting, note for pew, 
Capt. John Brown, note for pew, 
Aaron Hill, note for pew, 
Samuel Wallis, part of note, 
Eli Stockwell, note and interest, 
Lt. Elijah Moore, interest, 
Josiah Humes, interest, 
Lt. David Wallis, interest, 
John and David Balcom, interest, 
Benj. Dudley, for nails, 
Lt. Sam'l Amidon, on note. 

Total, 

. Balance due the Treasurer, . 

At the presidential election in 1792 the whole number of votes 

cast was 22, although, according to the Assessors' enumeration, 

there were 66 legal votes in the "north part of Douglas." The 

following table shows the gradual increase of the number of voters 

from time to time : 

Number of voters in 1797, 145 

Number of voters in 1804, 130 

Number of voters in 1806, 152 

Number of voters in 1807, 153 

Number of voters in 1816, 218 

Number of voters in 1817, 246 

June 27, 1791, the town voted to procure a new stock of am- 
munition, and a place was provided for it in the attic of the meet- 
ins-house. It was voted at the same time to build a "Virginia 
rail fence on the east side of the cemetery, at an expense of 20s." 

Ebenezer Marsh asked permission to set a house on the com- 
mon land, but was refused, and it was decided to purchase a piece 
of land at a cost of £3, which he was allowed to occupy during his 
natural life. We cannot understand the reason for this unusual 
generosity, unless it was to reward Mr. Marsh for faithfully per- 
forming the duties of church sexton. ■ 

In November, 1794, the Selectmen of Douglas, Uxbridge and 
Sutton met, and established the boundaries between the respective 
towns by branding trees with a marking iron. 
5 



CHAPTER VI. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 

HE part enacted b}^ the inhabitants of Douglas in the 
severe and long-protracted struggle of our countr}' against 
the t^Tanny of England in the Revolutionary War is 
worthy of all praise. Considered as a desperate resist- 
ance by a mere handful of recruits, who had to learn the 
art of whipping the regulars of Great Britain, a wealthy 
nation of cultured and well-drilled warriors, on the sea 
as well as on the land, this struggle ranks among the 
grandest of all such popular uprisings in the world's his- 
tory. But when we add to this view of it the hardships 
which had already been encountered by the settlers in 
their wearisome toil in subduing a new and rigorous 
countrv, superadded to all which must be cited the 
fearful and l)loodv atrocities perpetrated against them 
by the Indians and their white allies for almost a hun- 
dred and fifty years, the fact of their final triumph over 
this apparently invincible array of antagonisms assumes 
a grandeur difficult of comprehension. 

From the fact that it is not often referred to, it may be well at 
this point briefly to call attention to the singular fatality" attending 
the repeated and long-continued attempts which had been made 
from time to time to inaugurate on our continent some of the Euro- 
pean forms of government. The wonderful discoveries by Colum- 
bus naturall^^ had the eflfect of arousing an unwonted spirit of en- 
terprise among these nations for the expansion of their possessions 
as well as power. Spain and Portugal were among the first to ven- 
ture forth on their schemes of cupidity and conquest, a papal bull 
by Alexander VI granting them ' ' all the heathen and undiscov- 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 67 

«red countries of the globe !" John and Sebastian Cabot are soon 
in quest of new dominions for England, and Labrador comes imme- 
diately under Anglo-Saxon rule. Verrazzano in 1523 enters the 
list of explorers, starting off" in search of a western passage to 
Cathay, but is strangely led into New York and Newport harbors. 
Twenty years later Ferdinand De Soto through Florida reaches the 
Mississippi. The Marquis de la Roche, forty years after this, re- 
news Cartier's attempt to colonize new France on the St. Law- 
rence, but realizes only a temporary success. Champlain subse- 
quently founds a settlement there, but does not find a foothold for 
a nation, though a patent is given him for "the whole Atlantic 
coast, from Montreal to Philadelphia !" The tragic fate meted out 
to Coligny's attempt to establish himself in Florida and the Caro- 
linas is equally significant. Nor ought we to omit from this brief 
but suggestive epitome the futile attempt, as late as 1569, under a 
royal charter, to transplant bodily the monarchial regime of Eng- 
land to Virginia, where it was deliberately proposed that the immi- 
grant colonists, without representation in any form, should be sub- 
jected to ' ' the arbitrary will of a governor appointed by a com- 
mercial corporation," as Bancroft states it. 

We shall be pardoned for saying that the utter failure of all 
these schemes, so enthusiastically proposed, and backed by such 
an array of authority and financial ability in their prosecution, would 
surely serve to dishearten utterly the early colonists, as they con- 
templated the terrible disparity in their numbers aud resources as 
compared with the alarming array of military and naval power 
which Great Britain, grown haughty by past conquests, could bring 
against them. Nevertheless, with a firm and unyielding trust in 
that wise Providence which they so clearly recognized as having 
reserved a goodly heritage for their occupation, they began their 
heroic struggle against both monarch and corporation. 

In this gallant contest Douglas had the honor of being repre- 
sented doubtless by the maximum percentage of volunteers, com- 
paring her small number of inhabitants with that of the remaining 
towns in the State. As far as can now be ascertained, her avail- 
able population, at the commencement of the war, did not reach 
three hundred in cdl! And few towns probably can boast of a 
bona Jide representation of seventy-five men in the army at the 
lowest computation, out of as small a community. And to the 



68 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

honor of the citizens of Douglas it must also go upon the record 
that the}' contributed most generously of their means to help on 
the struggle, as will appear in the facts which we shall be enabled 
to give in these pages. Nor were the^^ lacking in those elements 
of statesmanship which could detect an infringement of the rights 
of freemen in a proposed article of State constitution, and that by 
professed Republicans too, as well as in the bolder but not less de- 
testable oppressions of Parliament. 

In 1774: the militia was reorganized, and Douglas was assigned 
to the Seventh Regiment, together with the towns of Mendon, 
Uxb ridge, Northb ridge and Upton — Sutton and Oxford being iu 
the Second Regiment. At this time the Selectmen were Caleb 
Hill, Joshua Fairbanks, Edward Aldrich, Robert Humes and 
Nathaniel Snow, all of whom were among the active participants 
in the various measures devised for opposing the arbitrarj^ exac- 
tions of Great Britain. 

In the month of March a letter was received b}' the town clerk, 
William Dudley, from the committee of correspondence at Boston, 
setting forth that the administration had, by imposing certain 
taxes, set aside the chartered rights of the people, and showing 
clearly that the repeated usurpations of the officers of the crown 
had a manifest tendenc}^ to draw them into slaverj^ and bondage. 
A letter of similar import was also received from Worcester^ 
accompanied by suggestions as to the advisabihty of appointing 
committees in the various towns of the county, to whom should be 
entrusted the duty of seeking to secure concerted action in the 
emergencies which were likely to arise, and which could only be 
properly met by some such prudential arrangement. 

In accordance with these suggestions a committee was chosen 
to co-operate with those of other towns in devising the best 
methods for carrying out the plans which should from time to time 
be adopted. This committee for the town of Douglas was com- 
posed of WilUam Dudley, Jedediah Bigelow, Caleb Whiting,, 
Elijah Moore and Samuel Balcom. 

On the 19th of August, 1774, it was deemed important to call 
a convention of representatives from the different towns in the 
county, so threatening had the aspect of the affairs of the colonists- 
become, and this gathering was appointed to be at the inn of 
Mrs. Mary Stearns, in the town of Worcester. The convention 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



69 



"was well attended, and the condition of the country was earnestly 
and candidly considered, and resolutions of a most thoroughly- 
patriotic nature were enthusiastically adopted. Samuel Jennison 
was chosen to represent Douglas in this convention, and it will be 
■seen that he took a very prominent part in its deliberations, for we 
find him one of the committee on public affairs, and also as a mem- 
ber of the committee on resolutions. In the course of the business 




HOUSK OF REV. WM. T. BRIGGS. 

brought before the convention a proposition was made to take some 
measures that would check the judges of the courts in their willing 
and obsequious enforcement of the harsh and irritating exactions of 
the British government, and after mature discussion it was decided 
to request these judges to refuse any farther co-operation with Par- 
liainent by declining to sanction its unconstitutional demands. Mr. 
Jennison was selected by the convention to repair to the court- 



70 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

house and communicate to the judges the decision that had been 
reached in this matter, which dut}' he promptly discharged, and 
with such abiUty and vigor that he returned to the convention with 
an assurance from twenty-one of them that the}^' would comply 
with the request which had been sent them. 

Mr. Jennison was also appointed as a member of a committee 
to propose some plan for securing a more acceptable administra- 
tion of justice in general, in view of the many and well-nigh intol- 
erable oppressions that had been endured at the hands of the law 
officers of the crown. Here again the practical good sense and 
energy of the representative from Douglas is seen in the fact that, 
as the result of his voice and vote, the judges that were subse- 
quently appointed were from those who had the interests of the 
colonists at heart, and who would perform their magisterial duties 
on this line, whether in accordance with existing arbitrary laws or 
otherwise — a long stride towards the goal of independence, for 
which the hearts of the people were now dail}- coming to be more 
and more prepared. A very suggestive incident, showing the 
progress already- gained in this direction, is given among the 
occurrences of these times : The order of the convention above 
alluded to seems to have been deliberately ignored by one of the 
clerks, Avhose name was Samuel Paine. In compliance with a law 
of Parhament, this clerk proceeded to issue venires to the con- 
stable of the county, whereupon Mr. Jennison was appointed to 
bring him before the convention. He soon made his appearance 
with the contemptuous clerk, when, after listening to an apology 
from him, and in consideration of his being somewhat 3'Oung and in- 
experienced, he was allowed to depart without further molestation. 

It ought not to be omitted in this connection, for it is a fair ex- 
ponent of the good sense and comprehensive views of the leaders 
among the people in those da^'S, that at this convention measures 
were taken to estabUsh a printing office in the county, and by 
special vote it was agreed to make vigorous efforts to secure the 
necessary support for such an enterprise from all the towns within 
the county limits. Encouraged in the highest degree, as he must 
have been by this prompt and decided action on the part of the 
citizens of the county, what wonder that Isaiah Thomas, the vete- 
ran patriot printer who had so defiantly and successfully maintained 
his opposition to the loyalists of Boston, removed his press to Wor- 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 71 

cester? Mr. Thomas took this course simply because he could no 
longer remain in safety in Boston, and on the third of May follow- 
ing the battle of Lexington, in which he was personalh- engaged, 
he issued the first number of the Massachusetts Spy from its new 
quarters in Worcester. 

When the Provincial Congress of deputies from the towns in the 
Province of Massachusetts Bay assembled at Salem, on the 7th of 
October, 1774, Mr. Jennison was again selected as the represent- 
ative from Douglas. Among his associates from this vicinity were 
Samuel Baldwin of Northbridge, Capt. Joseph Reed of Uxbridge, 
and Capt. Henry King and Edward Putnam of Sutton. At this 
time the British troops were in complete possession of Boston, but 
so ominous had the demonstrations of patriotic feeling become in 
many quarters that the loyalists had already begun the erection of 
defensive works on the Neck, in the direction of the town of Dor- 
chester. This was construed as an earnest of the intention of the 
British authorities to press their measures against the peace and 
prosperity of the people, and a message was forwarded to Governor 
Gage, in which he was politel}- assured that the colonists had not 
the least intention of doing any injury to the king's troops ; but 
the message also proceeded to say that, if he regarded the dignity 
and happiness of the empire, and the peace and welfare of the 
Province, " that fortress commanding the south entrance to the 
town of Boston must he demolished, and the pass restored to its 
natural state ! " 

How much of the audacit}' characterizing the above peremptorj^ 
message may have Ijeen attributable to the rapid growth and im- 
portance which had been acquired by the town where the Congress 
had assembled, may be inferred from the fact that there were sent 
out from Salem during the war that so soon followed one hundred 
and fifty-eight privateers, mounting two thousand guns, carrying 
not less than six thousand men, and capturing in all four hundred 
and forty-five jirizes, nine-tenths of which were brought safely into 
port ! A sense of the absolute justness of their title to independ- 
ence must have pervaded the hearts of such a people, and, forti- 
fied with such a conviction, the}' may well be pardoned for having 
thought themselves to be equal to the emergency they encountered 
so bravely ; and they would doubtless have triumphed over even 
very much greater impediments. 



72 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

But ill all the deliberations at this rendezvous of patriotic men 
at the Salem Congress, which were watched by the people every- 
where with intensest sohcitude, Mr. Jennison felt himself to be 
so full}' sustained by the patriotic constituency which he repre- 
sented that his vote was always given for the people, no matter 
how adverse to the crown ; and on returning home he found his 
course so fully approved that he was promptly sent to represent 
the town in the Second Congress, which assembled in Cambridge 
in the following February. 



CHAPTER VII 




REVOLUTIONARY WAR 



CONTINUED. 



XCITEMENT in public affairs was now fast culmina- 
ting to its only issue, that of overt resistance to any 
and every form of British domination ; and, as Gen- 
eral Gage expressed it at the interview between him 
and the Boston boys, whose snow-forts and skating- 
grounds on the Common had been repeatedly and 
wantonly destroyed by the soldiers, " the very chil-y 
dren drew in a love of liberty with the air they 
breathed." The inhabitants of Douglas so eagerly shared in the . 
general feeling, on the breaking out of hostilities, that from the 
warlike preparations carried on in their midst it would almost seem 
that they felt their own town to be in danger of invasion. The 
captains of all the military companies were ordered to assemble 
their commands at the earliest moment practicable. On the 9tli 
of Januaiy, 1775, a grand muster and inspection took place, when 
the enlisted men were provided with as many muskets as could be 
l^rocured, and all the ammunition which could be prudently spared. 
Minute-men were chosen by the town, who were ordered to keep 
themselves in readiness to appear for active service at any moment 
when called upon. In the magnanimity of their hearts it was at 
the outset decided to pa^- these men for their time and services in 
this capacity, but after fully canvassing the matter in town meet- 
ing, in which all mercenary motives were spurned, and the men 
had declared themselves ready to make any sacrifice for the good 
of the country, the vote placing them underpay was finally, though 
not without reluctance on the part of the great proportion of the 
voters, rescinded. 

The king's troops had at this time committed no act of blood- 



74 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

shed, their leaders standing in sahitar}' fear of adding this to their 
numerous other outrages. But such were their numbers, backed 
b3- the power behind the representatives of the- crown resident in 
Boston, that the mere presence of such a well-organized l)and of 
military was a source of perpetual terror to the great l)ody of peo- 
ple outside of Boston, as well as to those still remaining there. 
In addition to the man}' and burdensome levies upon private 
property by the Governor and his oflicials, which were almost con- 
tinually occurring, all business had come to an alarming degree of 
stagnation, necessitating a large amount of suflering and want. 
In the midst of this distressful state of things an arrangement, 
was finally consummated whereby those who desired to leave the 
town were permitted to do so. Those availing themselves of this, 
opportunity, however, were for the most part possessed of so little, 
either for their support or journey avvaj^ from the town, that they 
were obhged to throw themselves upon the charity of their com- 
patriots. It was estimated that not less than five thousand peo- 
ple were thus rendered almost entirely destitute, and unable to 
bear the expense to which they were subjected. As soon as the 
facts became known, the Provincial Congress recommended that 
the different towns extend-such aid as was in their power to these 
refugees. On the •23d of January, 1775, a town-meeting was 
called in Douglas to take this matter into consideration, when it 
was with commendable promptness voted that these sufferers by 
British depredations in Boston and Charlestown should receive 
such relief as the inhaljitants of the town were able to offer ; and 
it appears that twenty-two of these exiles from their homes, their 
business, and their possessions, were provided for by the Douglas 
people until they could arrange for themselves. 

During a portion of the 3-ear 1775 Capt. Caleb Hill, already a. 
veteran in the service of his town in various capacities, was act- 
ively engaged in the Continental service, and at one time, with a 
command of only four men, escorted a number of prisoners through 
the town to a place of safety. He was provided with an order re- 
quiring all inn-holders in the towns through which he passed to 
furnish the necessarj^ supplies for the subsistence of his party. In 
Juh' of that 3'ear Captain Hill was sent to Watertown as a delegate 
to the General Court, an indication of the deep esteem in which 
he was held by his townsmen, both as civilian and as soldier. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR — CONTINUED. 75 

Lieut. Ezra Whitney represented tlie town in tlie Provincial 
Congress whicli commenced its session at Concord in April, 1775. 
In Ma}' following, Dea. Jeremiah Whiting was sent to the General 
Court at Watertowu, and was succeeded by Mr. Hill. 

Immediately after the battle of Lexington (April 19) the town 
was called upon for arms, ammunition and clothing for the army. 
This was promptly responded to by forwarding seven fire-arms, a 
quantit}' of powder, and twenty-four coats. Later in the history 
of the struggle the town voted to raise for the support of the 
soldiers and families of those who were ser\dng in the Continental 
army the sum of £100, and William Johnson, Ezra Whiting and 
Robert Humes were chosen to distribute the money. 

The condition of public affairs following the commencement of 
the war with Great Britain had necessitated the appointment of 
committees of safety and correspondence in the different towns, 
and on the 11th of March, 177G, such a committee was appointed in 
Douglas, consisting of Caleb Hill, WiUiam- Dudley, Ezra Whitney 
and Nathaniel Snow. It was the duty of these gentlemen to 
co-operate with Congress and with various committees in promoting 
the cause in which they were engaged, to carefully inspect and 
report everything derogatory to and consistent with the struggle 
of an oppressed people to regain their independence, and in every 
way to use their influence to support the measures adopted by the 
Provincial Congress for the safety and interest of the inhabitants. 
That this dut}' was promptly, energetically and satisfactorily at- 
tended to, we have every reason to believe. 

On the 13th of June, 1777, a committee was chosen to look 
after such persons as Avere suspected of being tories, or enemies to 
the American cause, and in the discharge of their duties Daniel 
Aldrich, Stephen Streeter, John Hevendeen, Joseph Emerson, 
Nathaniel Snow, Samuel Parker, Daniel Hunt and Abner Pevey 
were arrested on suspicion, and held for examination ; but they 
w6re all found to be innocent, and were discharged. 

The Declaration of Independence was approved by the town 
on the 24th of June, 1776, not a single vote being recorded in 
opposition to it. To show that the people were in earnest in de- 
claring themselves " independent of the crown of Great Britain," 
they at once forwarded for the use of the army six each of shovels, 
axes, picks and spades. 



76 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

During the war Douglas contributed most liberally of her 
limited means to the support of the arm}- and the families of those 
who had entered the service. In March, 1777, £25 were granted 
for the purchase of coats for the soldiers, and a bounty of £8 per 
3'ear, or during the war, was offered to all who enlisted, until the 
quota of the town was filled. In the following month an addi- 
tional bounty of £25 was offered to all who had enlisted, or should do 
so previous to May 1st, and the entire amount necessary to meet 
this expense was assessed and paid into the treasur}' at once. In 
March, 1780, $500 in paper mone}' was paid to all who enhsted 
for three months, and a fixed rate of pay established for three 
and six-months' men. A summary of the various sums contrib- 
uted for the pa}^ of soldiers and support of their famihes places 
the amount at more than £70,000, exclusive of bounties and indirect 
expenses, which would largely increase the amount. A large share 
of this, of course, was in depreciated paper currenc}", requiring 
at one time £12 to pureh'ase a bushel of corn ; but a portion of this 
was in supplies having a positive value, and often the appropria- 
tions were made in " silver money." 

There are no means of ascertaining the actual number of men 
■who enlisted in the army, from this town. On the 13th of June, 
1777, the first bounty was offered, and an account of the disburse- 
ments shows that a number of men responded. In 1779 nine men 
were furnished upon requisition from Congress. In 1780 the best 
information places the number of men in the service at about 
twenty. Sixteen three-months' men and sixteen six-months' men 
were subsequently enlisted, and in the latter part of December 
nine men were enlisted for three 3'ears, or during the war. In 
Jul}', 1781, six men were sent to "West Point, and a number into 
Rhode Island. According to these figures, it is probable that at 
least seventy-five of the inhabitants of the town served in the Con- 
tinental army between the years 1776 and 1781. Their quota was 
filled at every call for men, and they as prompth" answered every 
requisition of the Continental Congress. When we consider that 
the entire population could not have exceeded three hundred, and 
that their limited means frequently compelled them to ask for an 
abatement of the Province tax, the facts here given are an admi- 
rable commentary upon their patriotism and devotion to the cause 
of American freedom, and their deeds rise to sublimity when we 



EEVOLUTIONARY WAR CONTINUED. 77 

find uo recorded act of opposition to the measures for the accom- 
plishment of the glorious results of the long and bitter war. The 
feeling which pervaded the community is better illustrated by the 
proceedings of a meeting held Dec. 25, 1780, when John Taylor, 
Aaron Benson, Caleb Whiting, Ezra Whiting, Isaac Martin, David 
Thompson, and Job Knapp, — a committee appointed to take into 
consideration the resolves of the General Court relating to furnish- 
ing men and means for the war, — presented their report, which 
was unanimousl}' and enthusiasticall}" adopted. Thej- declared it 
to be the duty and for the interest of the town to engage the men 
called for, without dela}', for three years or during the war, and 
that the}" should have all the pubhc bounties, clothing, refresh- 
ments and pay granted b}' the town, State, and continent. Fur- 
thermore, it was declared that no man should be accepted who had 
not been a resident of the town for three months, and that na 
prisoner or deserter from the British army should be accepted in 
any case. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR ■ 



CONTINUED. 




X the last few chapters we have directed attention to 
some of the many facts going to show the hearti- 
ness and efficiency with which tlie people of our town 
entered into the terrible struggle for our national in- 
dependence. We trust it will be conceded b}' all 
that these facts have not been undul}' emphasized, 
Init on the contrary have been onl}- in the most mod- 
est spirit spread on the permanent Jocal record we 
have here given them. Granting this humble claim, 
we may well be pardoned for raising the question 
whether our fathers, so unhesitatingly coming to the front in the 
direful work of war, when destructiveness well-nigh eclipses every 
other consideration of public poUcy, were equally devoted and effi- 
cient in the grander task of reconstructing the elements of a torn 
and distracted countiy into a symmetrical and practical order of 
government. As we progress in our inquiries we hope to show 
that in this more difficult line the part assumed b}^ our fathers was 
equally creditable. 

As early as Oct. 15, 177G, when every intelligent and gen- 
uine patriot began to perceive that the status of the different State 
governments was destined to be of at least nearly equal importance 
with that of independence of the mother country, Lieut. Samuel 
Jennison, one of the recognized men of ability and influence in 
Douglas, as well as through the Commonwealth, drew up a pream- 
ble and resolution on this subject for the consideration of his fellow- 
citizens at a town-meeting. The paper was listened to with deep 
interest, and attracted so much of public attention that it was 
called for at a subsequent delegated convention of the county. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR — CONTINUED. 79 

111 view of the important part accomplished in tlie future histoiy of 
the State by tliis document, we present the original draft, which 
was as follows : 

" As the good order, well-being and happiness of every State 
depends, under God, on the establishment of such a mode or form 
of government as is most lasting in its nature and beneficial in its 
consequences ; and as this State, with the rest of the continent 
sharing the unhappy controversy with Great Britain^ rendering- 
it necessaiy of reUnquishing the government of that State, and 
declaring themselves independent of that crown, the Grand Council 
of the United Congress have recommended to every State therein 
the forming and establishing such a mode or form of government 
as to them shall appear hl^ely to be attended with the most lasting 
and salutaiy consequences, as to the present and future genera- 
tions ; and the General Assembly of this State, having signified to 
everj^ town and district therein the design of attending to that 
business, have called on them for their assistance and approbation, 
and have recommended such towns and districts as neglected to 
return a member or members at the last election that the}- send 
one or more at this time, that the wisdom of the whole State may 
be called on so important an undertaking, — 

We, therefore, the freeholders and other inhabitants, freemen 
of Douglas, after timel}^ notice convened, having taken the mat- 
ter under consideration, and well weighing the importance and 
necessity of having a frame of government estabhshed in this State 
whereby the lives, liberties and properties of this people may be 
rendered safe and secure, a foundation laid for the tranquillit}- and 
happiness of future generations, do 

Resolve, That the present General Court, assembled with the 
Council of this State, do form a plan of government for the regu- 
lation thereof, and that the same be laid before the inhabitants 
at large for their approbation or rejection, which, if approved, shall 
be established as a form of government. But, if any essential 
alterations or amendments be judged necessary, in such case the 
alterations and amendments shall be made before the same shall be 
established." 

The highest meed of praise due to this production is found in 
the simple statement that it was finallv made the basis of that ad- 



80 HISTOEY OF DOUGLAS. 

mirable frame-work of government under which we have hved so- 
long as a State. 

The return of peace, which was conchided in 1783, while it 
spread joy throughout the American colonies, developed the fact 
also that the government and the people of Massachusetts had so 
entirely devoted their energies to the cause of the Revolution that 
they found themselves loaded with an enormous weight of public 
and private debts. The paper mone}^, which was nearl}^ the entire 
currency, was so depreciated as to become nearl}^ worthless ; the 
resources of the countr}' were exhausted ; and credit was nearly as 
low as was the paper money itself. The chief creditors of the 
State were its own citizens. Some of them had advanced money, 
and wgre honafide creditors ; and some of these, with others, were 
government officials who had purchased " State securities" and 
' *■ soldiers' certificates " at less than one eighth of their nominal 
value, and these could have afforded to wait a little longer. All 
these creditors were pressing the government for payment, and 
thus pressed, the Legislature jaelded, and as a consequence enor- 
mous taxes were assessed upon the people. 

In addition to the amount of money contributed during the war, 
the town in 1783 was assessed £758 10s. as a town war tax, and 
$410 as a State tax ; and for failing to send a representative to 
the General Court a fine was imposed upon the town of £20 10s. 
The Legislature had passed an act in 1782, ordering a general 
valuation of the taxable property of the people. Another act had 
levied an excise or duty on several of the articles of trade. With 
these acts the people had become very much dissatisfied, as they 
were thought to interfere with their rights and privileges, besides 
being unequal and unjust ; and a convention was called, to meet 
in Worcester on the 14th of April, and again in May of the same 
year (1782), which reported a list of grievances, and the hst was 
sent to the several towns. 

In the following year Eliphas Stearns was chosen representa- 
tive, and was succeeded by Josiah Reed in 1 785. During the session 
of the General Court in 1 784 the following petition was presented 
by Mr. Stearns, having previously been endorsed by the voters or 
Douglas in town meeting assembled : 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR CONTINUED. 81 

■*' To the Honorable Senate and House of Bejiresentatives of this 
Commomvealth : 

The petition of the town of Douglas humbh" showeth that, 
although the good people of this Commonwealth have b}' the kind 
hand of the Supreme Governor of the universe been prospered 
through a long and unnatural and cruel war, and have bv the same 
protecting and overruling hand arrive to a happy issue and peace 
in our borders ; and although in addition to the above said blessing 
we are favored with a good Constitution, under which we enjoy a 
good form of Government, yet there are certain matters of griev- 
ance which this Commonwealth labor under in general, and this 
town as a part of the same, which we think may and ought to be 
redressed, of which we shall mention to your honors the follow- 
ing : 

1st. The giving into the hands of the honorable the Continental 
Congress the impost, to be under their sole control, we conceive 
to be a grievance, and in our opinion ought to be immediately 
repealed. Not but that we are free and willing that an impost on 
all imported articles should immediately take place, but the pro- 
ceeds thereof ought to be paid into our State treasur}', and in a 
constitutional way drawn out by a warrant from the Governor of 
the Commonwealth, and if appropriated to Congress, or anj^ part 
thereof, it ought to be set to our credit, so we may receive the 
benefit of the same, which we conceive no State in the Union have 
any just right to. 

2d. We conceive that the expense of days of pubhc rejoicing 
ought not to be paid out of the public treasury, but ought to be 
paid by those who partake of the same, and not b}' the Common- 
wealth at large. 

3d. The making large grants to the officers of the late Conti- 
nental arm}', or officers of the public, any more than an honorable 
pay for their services, we conceive a grievance, and under our 
present circumstances ought not to be ; and wherever any has 
heretofore been made they ought to be reconsidered, for in our 
opinion the grants heretofore made cannot be more binding on the 
good people of this Commonwealth than that of the redemption 
of the old money, which in our opinion most earnestly ought to be 
urged b}' the General Court, and that no further grants be made 
to the Congress until the other States in the Union comply with 
6 



82 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS, 

the redemption of said money, and that his excellencT the Governor 
be requested not to sign any warrants on the treasury for the 
remainder of the four hundred thousand pounds which is now 
assessed and paid, or ought to be paid into the treasury, until a 
redress is obtained. 

4th. That the good people of this State are greatly oppressed 
and distressed for the want of a proper balance of a circulating 
medium, and that the credit of the State greatl}' suffers from no 
other motives than the necessities of the people, and by reason of 
the State's holding the property of individuals binds one part of 
the people so that the other make their necessities their opportu- 
nity, which much agrieves the good people of this State ; and we 
pray that ways and means may be found out for our relief. 

We, 3'our humble petitioners, praj' your honors to take those 
matters into your wise consideration, and grant such relief as you 
in your wisdom shall see just and reasonable, and your petitioners 
in duty bound shall ever pray." 

This petition was dated May 19, 1784, and signed by Caleb 
Whitney, Isaac Martin and Lovell Pulsipher, who constituted a 
committee to draft it. Upon the back were the following endorse- 
ments : 

"May 10, 1784. 

"We, the Subscribers, Bein appointed a Committ}^ to inquire 
instruction to the Representative, (viz.) Mr. Eliphas Sterns, 
this Day chosen to represent the Town of Douglas, do hereby 
think it the Deuty of said Mhabitance of said Town to present the 
petition that has Ben laid before them at their meeting for the 
choice of their Representative. Wee there four Do hereby Instruct 
the above Named Representitive to use his Best Influence to Ex- 
hibet sd. petition, and to carry the same into Effect." 

No signatures were affixed, but the endorsement was apparently 
written by those whose names were attached to the petition. The 
second endorsement shows that the petition was presented to and 
approved by the county convention at Worcester. This reads as 
follows : 

" We, the Delegates duly and Legally appointed and chosen by 
our respective Towns to meet in County Convention, to consider 
of certain matters of grievances which the good peopel of this 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR — CONTINUED. 83 

Commonwilth in General and this County in particular Labour 
xinder, we are unanimousl}' of the opinion that the foregoing peti- 
tion be laid before the several towns in this county for their appro- 
bation, and if b}' them approved of the same, be by their several 
Representatives presented to the General Court, with particular 
instructions to use their Influence to sea that the same be immedi- 
ately attended to. Ebenezer Davis, per order. 

Worcester, April ye 22th, 1783." 

The people, it will be seen b}' these documents, were in a state 
of great dissatisfaction, and the inhabitants of Douglas shared 
largely in it. It finally culminated in the famous " Shays Rebel- 
lion." Among the causes of complaint with the people were the 
high salaries of public officers, the fees of lawyers and sheriffs, 
the frequent suits at law, and the consequent costs of court. In 
spite of the remonstrances and petitions of the people the courts 
continued to entertain all actions for the recovery of debts, and to 
issue executions as usual. Wm. Lincoln, Esq., in his History of 
Worcester, states that in 1784 more than two thousand actions 
were entered in the county of Worcester, then having a popula- 
tion of less than fift}' thousand ; and in 1 785 about seventeen 
hundred were entered. Lands and goods were seized, and often 
sold at enormous sacrifices, the general distress driving away pur- 
chasers. These proceedings became so odious to the people that 
several of the towns presented the extraordinary prayer to the 
General Court that the " courts may he abolished " declaring that 
they ' ' conceived their existence to be a great and unnecessary bur- 
den upon the people." At this time it is said that the offices of the 
senior Levi Lincoln of Worcester, Dwight Foster of Brookfleld, 
and John Sprague of Lancaster (they being the principal lawyers 
in the county), were thronged every day with suitors, presenting 
the appearance of some public day, so great was the gathering of 
the people. The door-yards of their offices and the adjoining fences 
were thronged with the horses and carriages of unfortunate debt- 
ors, and not much less unfortunate creditors. As the courts de- 
clined suspending judgments and executions on suits for the 
collection of debts, the malcontents formed the rash and desper- 
ate resolution of taking the law into their own hands by stopping 
the sittings of the courts with force and violence, thus preventing 



84 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

entirely the issuing of executions. In September, 1776, about four 
hundred men from most of the towns in Worcester county assem- 
bled at Worcester, under the famous Daniel Shays, and succeeded 
in preventing the sitting of the court. The court adjourned, after 
continuing all actions to the December term. In December the 
uprising became more general, and showed itself in Springfield in 
strong force. It is said that the num])er of persons coming from 
the several towns to Worcester numbered about two thousand, 
many of them veterans of the Revolution, who felt that the}' were 
.now as much called upon to engage in the defense of their liber- 
ties as they had been at any time during the war. The court was 
again overawed, and adjourned to the 23d day of January, 1787, 
at which time Governor Bowdoin sent armed foi'ces to protect the 
sitting of the courts at these points, and, they were permitted to 
proceed unmolested in the transaction of business ; and finally the 
malcontents were scattered in every direction, and large numbers 
of them were arrested and imprisoned in different parts of the 
State. 

The leader in this unhappy revolt was possessed of much 
personal influence in the south part of Worcester count}'. 
Though it is l)elieved he never was a resident of Douglas, he had 
nevertheless a strong part}' of sympathizers among its citizens, 
and his adherents were scattered over a wide territory, and were 
in considerable force in this part of the State, as well as in Rhode 
Island. Some of those belonging in town, having refused to pay 
the taxes assessed upon them, their cattle were seized by the 
town authorities, and offered for sale at auction. The sale was to 
take place at Hill's tavern, and the cattle were collected there. 
But before the time appointed for the sale had arrived a corapan}' 
of men from Rhode Island appeared, under the lead of one 
Wilmouth, and demanded that the cattle should be released and 
returned to their owners. This was refused, as a matter of course, 
and a desperate hand-to-hand fight took plac'e, in which the 
" Shayites " were victorious. Clubs and missiles were violently 
used, and blood was shed freel}', but fortunately no one was 
killed. 

After the suppression of this outbreak under Sha3's, petitions 
were forwarded to Governor Bowdoin, praying that the prisoners 
might be set at liberty. The General Court was also memorialized 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR CONTINUED. 85 

on the subject, and this l)ody was asked to pass a general act of 
indemnity, and also to suspend the action of the courts until after 
election . A peculiar significance ;rttaches to this latter petition , from 
the fact that Governor Bowdoin, l)eing supposed to have been in 
some degree accountable for the unpopular acts of the General 
Court, it was thought that after strictly enforcing the laws he 
would be inclined to deal severely with the insurgents. General 
Hancock, his rival in the pending election, was known to be 
favorable to a more lenient policy. The election was close at 
hand, and hence the petition for delay. When the election took 
place it was found that Governor Hancock was elected by a large 
majority. The vote in Douglas stood thus : For Governor, John 
Hancock, 44 ; James Bowdoin, 1 ! 

In April, 1778, the draft of a form of government submitted 
for the approval of the people by the Provincial Congress having 
been received, after full and careful discussion it was rejected by 
twenty-six majority. The town also refused to send a representa- 
tive to the General Court, which was in perfect consistency with 
their action in rejecting the draft for a fonia of government.^ But 
this action must not be construed as denoting any lack of interest 
in public affairs ; on the contrary, it showed that the question of 
what kind of government should succeed to that which they had 
overthrown during the war had received the most careful attention, 
and the voters were confident that in some respects, which they 
considered vital to the success of their heroic struggle, a better form 
could be devised than that which had been submitted to them. In 
the month following, after fully canvassing the subject, it was 
decided to recommend a new form, such as they conceived to be 
more just and equitable, and Ezra Whiting was directed in behalf 
of the town to aid in caUing a convention at Worcester to take 
the subject into consideration. Such a convention was held, and 
the town was represented by Jeremiah Whiting. 

The voters of Douglas assembled in town-meeting May 8, 1780, 
to take into consideration the measures recommended and adopted 
by the Provincial Congress for the formation of a new State gov- 
ernment. Each of the thirty articles in the Declaration of Rights 
were taken up separately, and with but few exceptions were ap- 
proved, the number of votes cast varying from fifteen to thirty- 
nine. There did not seem to be a full concurrence in the plan 



86 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

proposed, but in most cases where there was a feeling of dissent 
the voters chose not to express an opinion rather than to seem in 
opposition to the wisdom of Congress. 

The third article, which empowered the Legislature to require 
each town to maintain institutions of public worship, was accepted 
conditional!}', Avith an amendment, and the wisdom of the people 
here manifested is apparent when we learn that such an amend- 
ment as was proposed was adopted subsequently by the concur- 
rence of the requisite number of voters throughout the State. ' The 
ninth article, providing for the free election of all officers, was 
rejected by thirteen majority. Previously a property qualification 
was necessar}^ to enable a man to vote in public affairs, and the 
people preferred to adhere to this principle rather than venture an}'^ 
new experiment. In this their wisdom was not so apparent. The 
twenty-ninth article, providing for the appointment of judges to 
hold offices during good behavior, was rejected by an emphatic 
majority, twentj^-six votes being cast in the negative. 

The constitution was considered at a subsequent meeting, when 
all the voters were present, all of whom concurred in the four arti- 
cles relating to Legislative powers. The first, second, and fifth of 
the Senate articles were rejected, and all of them have been since 
amended. The third and fourth articles, relating to the House of 
Representatives, were also rejected. The first article, conferring 
Executive powers, which made a man ineligible to the office of 
Governor unless he should declare himself to be of the Christian 
religion, was adopted with a recommendation that the word " Prot- 
estant" be substituted for "Christian;" and an amendment was 
also suggested to the tenth article conditionally ui)on its adoption. 
The remainder of the Constitution was accepted without opposi- 
tion, and Eliphas Stearns, a delegate to the convention, was au- 
thorized to use his judgment in expressing the will of the people 
as to when its provisions should go into effect. 



CHAPTER IX. 




TOWN ACTION ON EDUCATION. 

N the subject of schools the earliest recorded action 
of the towa occurs in 1748. Among the items of 
business transacted at this meeting is the following : 
' ' Voted, That a choole be kept three months in 
ye summer season." This leaves it fairly to be in- 
ferred that previously the town had given this mat- 
ter a good share of public attention, though the 
record on that point has not been preserved. This 
becomes all the more probable from the fact that at least one 
school-house appears already to have been built, and which was 
used for almost all purposes of a public nature until the meeting- 
Jiouse was finished, which was at this date in process of comple- 
tion. 

This pioneer school-building was located in what was subse- 
quently known as the Center Village, at that time a very sparsely- 
settled neighborhood, surrounded by a dense forest, marked only 
Jiere and there by a house or cultivated field. And it should go 
upon this page of our town's history, as a wholesome fact for the 
attention of the scholars of our day, that to such a lonely spot as 
this must necessarily have been did those brave and hardy boys 
and girls daily travel to and fro, making what would now be called 
impracticable journeys, so far as distance merely is concerned, 
and along the most difficult trails through the woods besides, — 
and all for the privilege of receiving instruction in ' ' reading, writ- 
ing and reckoning " onl}^ ! 

The very next 3'ear shows the most commendable advance in 
this direction of full one hundred percent., the inhabitants in 
town-meeting assembled voting that the school be kept during six 



88 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

months of the year ; and a committee, consisting of Seth Marshy 
Caleb Hill and Samuel Dudley, was chosen to carry out this vote. 

In 1750 a vote is recorded " to sell ye school lot lying b}' ye 
meeting-house to 3'e hiest bider, at six pounds (old tenor) per 
acre !" The only explanation of this singularly-worded vote must 
be that the auctioneer was enjoined from selling the property at 
anj'thing less than the £6 per acre. But however the fact may 
have been, nothing whatever appears on the record indicative 
either of hostihty or indifference to the educational plan so well 
initiated. So far from this, it was voted the next year after thia 
order of sale that " ye school money be invested." 

In 1752 a vote is recorded as follows : 

"Voted, To have a reading school kept six months in ye sev- 
eral parts of ye town ; " and £2 2s. 8d. were appropriated for the 
support of the same. The query presents itself, whether this style 
of school was not on the principle of our modern spelling-schools, 
itinerating from one house to another, since there could not have 
been at this date the requisite number of school buildings "in ye 
several parts of ye town," in which to hold them. School-houses 
were erected, however, from time to time in different sections of 
the town, as the necessities of the people required, and the territory 
was subsequently divided into " squares," or " school districts," 
as they afterwards came to be designated. The town also voted 
this same year (1752) " not to sell a tract of land given by ye 
proprietors of Shearhurn for ye benefit of a school." In 1753 this 
vote was countermanded, and propositions which were made, to- 
see what the town would do about a school, were passed over. 

In 1754 were granted £6, lawful money, for the support of a 
school, and the Selectmen were authorized to determine its loca- 
tion. 

In 1757 there were £10 appropriated " for ye support of schools 
to be set up in five parts of ye town." 

On the 27th of October, 1760, at a town-meeting held in the 
meeting-house, Capt. Caleb Hill, Capt. David White, and Jede- 
diah Phipps were authorized to sign a warranty deed in behalf of 
the town, convening to the purchasers the school land that had 
been sold by auction. At the same time Joseph Balcome made 
application for the purchase of a portion of the meeting-house lot 
lying on the south side of the county road. The terms of sale hav- 



TOWN ACTION ON EDUCATION. 89' 

ing been agreed upon, a committee was chosen to make the cou- 
ve3'ance. 

A division of the town into five sections, or " squadrons," took 
place in March, 17G4, for the double purpose of establishing per- 
manent schools and organizing the able-]jodied males into military 
companies. In each of these sections the inhabitants were re- 
quired to build and keep in repair suitable school-houses, and com- 
missions were issued to suitable persons to enroll, equip and com- 
mand the militia. 

In 1774 there were six squadrons, and the tOAvn voted the sum 
of £125 (old tenor) to build and repair the school-houses in the 
several squadrons. A committee was chosen to divide the monej' 
according to the valuation of each squadron, consisting of Caleb 
Whitney, Wm. Dudle3% and Robert Humes for the 1st squadron ;. 
John Emerson, Edward Aldrich, Joseph Thayer, Esq., 2d squad- 
ron ; Benj. Wallis, Ezra Whiting, Jedediah Bigelow, 3d squadron ; 
Caleb Hill, Isaac Martin, John Brown, 4th squadron ; Thomas Ful- 
ler, Jeremiah Whiting, James Hill, 5th squadron ; Joshua Fair- 
banks, Benj. AValker, Lovell Pulsifer, Gth squadron. 

In the northeasterly squadron, now known as District No. 10, 
preparations were made to build a school-house, Dea. Jeremiah 
Whiting, Thomas Fuller and Jona. Stockwell being a committee 
to provide the necessary material. A new house was also built in 
the Center squadron (District No. 1), at an expense of £70 5s. Id., 
a substantial brick building taking the place of the old one, which 
was sold by auction to Ezra Whitney, and an appropriation was 
made for building a house in Caleb Hill's squadron, now the East 
Village. 

The cost of schooling in Douglas between the years 1747 and 
1770 ranged from £2 to £20 annually, and on occasional years 
nothing whatever was appropriated for this })urpose. The school 
lands given by the proprietors of Sherborn and Dr. Wm. Douglas 
Avere sold off as fast as purchasers applied for them, and the pro- 
ceeds of such sales were placed upon interest ; and in 17(33 the in- 
terest accrued was sufttcient, with the addition of only £3, to com- 
fortably support five schools in as many different parts of the town. 
Jedediah Phipps was one of those who located on the school land,, 
and the tract purchased by him brought the sum of £3 16s., which 
went to swell the proportions of the school fund. 



"90 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Nathaniel Fry Marsh was chosen Town Clerk in 1782, and held 
the office for a nnmber of succeeding j^ears. The Selectmen 
chosen at the same time were Eliphas Stearns, Caleb Whiting and 
Jona. Whipple. Population had gradualh^ but slowly increased, 
and as families became more numerous more attention was given 
to school matters. Schools multiplied all over the town, and the 
money raised for their support reached as high as £G0. Frequent 
changes were made in the boundaries of squadrons, to accommo- 
■date this or that famih^ and new ones w^ere established. In 1782 
a new squadron was formed, wliich included Joseph Cummings, 
Samuel Lee, John Fuller, Comfort Martin, Jesse Bi-iggs, Jonathan 
Stearns, Ephraim Lee, Jacob Southwiclv, David Ila^'ward, Beza- 
leel Gould, Eleazer Gould, James Hayward, and Eleazer Gould, Jr. 
Eichard Howell and Elijah Moore were annexed to the Center 
squadron, and a number of persons known as Friends, were set 
off as a squadron by themselves. 

In olden times school districts were not known by numbers, as 
at present. We have given in a previous chapter information 
<ioncerning all the districts, including the names by which they 
were commonl}- designated, but these names were modified in some 
cases by subsequent events. When the forge was established in 
East Douglas, District No. 3 was called the '■'Forge District," 
and at the same time No. 7 was called the " East Indies." 

The amount appropriated for schooling in 1793 was £40, and in 
the following year £50. The amount of notes in the treasur}', the 
interest of which was used for schooling, was £127 16s. 5d. Paul 
Dudle}' was set off to the Center district, and Eleazer Gould to 
the Walker district, in 1794. 

The interest taken by the people of Douglas in educational 
-affairs, between the years 1790 and 1800, and the measures adopted 
for the support of public schools, ma}' be learned from the follow- 
ing summary from the records : 

In November of the first-mentioned year three persons were 
•chosen in each district to " set up and regulate schools," and no 
money was allowed to be paid out of the treasury for school pur- 
poses except upon their order. Previousl}' the Selectmen had 
performed the duties of school committee, and as this was the first 
experiment of the town in appointing committees exclusively for 
this purpose, we give the names of the gentlemen chosen : 



TOWN ACTION ON EDUCATION. 91 

Center District — Lieut. Elijah Moore, Capt. Caleb Whitiug, 
■Capt. Aaron Benson. 

Squire Whitney District — Lieut. Benj. Wallis, Jr., Ensign 
Benj. Dudley, Ezra Whitney, Esq. 

Dea. Whiting District — Aaron Marsh, David Chase, JohnBal- 
come. 

Southwest District — Joseph Parker, Abner Yates, Capt. 
Emerson. 

Capt. WalUs District — Capt. David Wallis, Paul Dudley, 
Elijah Smith. 

Moses Hill District — Lieut. Nathaniel Brown, Ezra French, Job 
Knapp. 

Thayer District — Thad. Thayer, John Baker, Jonah Brown. 

Friend District — Daniel Aldrich, David Mowry, Aaron Aid- 
rich. 

New District — Comfort Lee, Abel Cummings, Eleazer Gould. 

Benj. Walker District — Benjamin Walker, Lieut. John Thayer, 
Lieut. Samuel Amidon. 

Various persons who had purchased pews in the meeting-house 
gave their notes to the town in payment therefor, and these notes 
were applied to the benefit of schools. Some difficulty in collect- 
ing the money led to numerous vexatious lawsuits, and in more 
than one instance the notes were surrendered, and the ownership 
of pew propert}^ restored to the town, thus reducing the amount 
from this source intended for the support of schools. This was by 
no means the only appropriation for this purpose, for the amount 
granted annually in addition by the town was not less than £40. 

In March, 1791, the Whitney and Wallis districts were united, 
retaining the boundaries by which two years before they were known 
as the " South Squadron," and were divided b}' '^ Baiting Pond 
Brook." In the year 1799 a school-house was built at Wallum 
Pond Hill, by Emer Bowen, at an expense of $135, one in the 
Benj. Walker district, at an expense of $167, and another in the 
New District, at a cost of $137. 



C HAPTER X 




CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 

N the 11th of November, 1747, Rev. Wm. Phipps 
(or Phips, as it was often written) , the first minister 
in town, was ordained and installed pastor of the 
Congregational Church at Douglas, and at the same 
time a number of persons from Sutton and else- 
where united with the Church. The meeting-house 
had been commenced at this earl}' day, and was 
IJ then partiall}^ finished, but, if we may believe the 
records, it was not fully completed until 1789, though it was- 
probably occupied in the year 1748, or possibly earlier than this. 
It is almost incredible that a period of forty-two years should 
elapse between the time of laying the foundation stones and the 
completion of the building. But we must not forget that in those 
days of log-houses the building of a framed meeting-house was- 
an nndertaking of no small magnitude. And it is an interesting- 
note of the spirit of those times that in the warrant for a legal 
meeting in a neighboring town which contained nine articles, seven 
of them had reference to the meeting-house. 

The salary allowed to the minister was of a ver}' uncertain char- 
acter, judging from the following entry on the records : " Ye Des- 
trict allowed mr. Phipp's sallary at fourtin shillings per bushel for 
this present year." Money was a scarce article in those da^'s, and 
in its stead some staple product of the town was used to repre- 
sent mone}', its A'alue being always determined by a vote of the 
people. Probabl}' the greed of gain was as strong then as now, 
but the straightened circumstances of the great bodj^ of the peo- 
ple rendered intolerable any such thing as ' ' cornering the mar- 
ket." Corn was generally' adopted as currenc}', and this was 



/.^^^2^^ ^c^.^^.^ ^''^'^ 



^— ^-^t^w' ^(^.c^A^ // 



<^:^^^j'*-cr?z 









94 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

probably paid to the minister, a bushel representing fourteen shil- 
lings (old tenor) . It was also decided, at the same time of adopt- 
ing this standard of value, " to come into some methord of glazing 
ye meeting-house and laying ye flowers and dores," which shows 
more clearly still the great scarcity of money which prevailed. 

Work on the meeting-house had lagged during the harvesting 
season, but now it was decided to go on and complete the edifice, 
and considerable energy must have been thrown into the under- 
taking, for in 1771 — eleven years thereafter — the plastering was 
done, and seats were put into the gallery. The work was performed 
mostly by Caleb Whitney, for which he received the sum of £12. 

At the annual meeting, March 9, 17G1, Capt. Caleb Hill, Ben- 
jamin Wallis, Edward Aldrich, Wm. Dudley, and Ezra Whitney 
were chosen Selectmen, and Jedediah Phipps Town Clerk. Mr. 
Pliipps' successor was William Dudley, who held the office seven- 
teen consecutive j^ears. 

Heretofore the minister had been engaged for a term of seven 
years at a time, but, owing to numerous misunderstandings in re- 
lation to the salary, the plan was adopted of hiring him bj^ the 
3'ear, and the price to be paid for preaching the gospel was deter- 
mined annually. An attempt was made to reduce the amount pre- 
viously allowed Mr. Phipps, but he refused to submit to a reduc- 
tion, for the reason that he contemplated the offering of pecuniary 
assistance to his needy neighbors, and this he could not do if his 
income was reduced. As this fact became more fully known it is 
quite to the credit of the citizens that the record goes on to state 
that the whole amount of his former salary (£53 6s. 9d.) was made 
up to him, and he renounced the intention of severing his connec- 
tion with the parish, which it seems he had cherished. A similar 
sum was granted for his support each year, until, in the spring of 
1765, a reduction was again made. Mr. Phipps now renewed his 
previously expressed determination, and informed his parishioners 
that, unless the vote to reduce his salary was reconsidered, he 
desired to terminate his engagement with the town. He also de- 
manded, if dismissed, that a sufficient sum should be granted to 
recompense him for the expense and trouble of moving from the 
place, and for the delay which would ensue in his procuring a new 
settlement. Accordingly, on the 17th of June, it was ordained 
that the relation between Mr. Phipps as pastor, and the district of 



CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 95 

Douglas as a people, should be dissolved, and £60 were allowed to 
meet his demand for damages. 

There were a number of persons in town who professed the 
faith of the Baptists, and who naturallj- objected to being taxed 
for the support of Congregational preaching. For several years 
they had submitted to the tax under protest, but by continually 
agitating their grievances in town-meeting they secured the desired 
exemption in 1770, and were permitted to contribute of their 
means for the support of such denominational religion as their 
consciences approved. Their final success encouraged a number 
of professed Quakers to make a like demand, and in 1771 the era 
of religious freedom began. The minister tax was not, however, 
abolished, but only levied upon those who acknowledged adherence 
to none other than Congregational doctrines. 

The money raised from the sale of pews in the meeting-house 
had been placed in a bank, with the intention of using it to keep 
the building in repair, but when it was proposed to use a portion 
of it to pay the expense of new shingles and clapboards the town 
refused to consent, and appropriated the whole amount, something- 
over £85, for the support of schools. It was decided, however? 
that money due from pew-holders might be used for repairing the 
house, and subsequently the town made a small additional grant. 

Judging from the facts presented, entire harmony did not pre- 
vail in the parish at this time, and the people seem to have been 
about evenly divided between adherence and opposition to the 
Church. The trouble continued during and beyond the ministr}' 
of Mr. Phipps, who was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Stone, and one 
of the items first appearing during Mr. Stone's pastorate is this : 
" The friends of the pastor. Rev. Mr. Stone, succeeded in securing 
the passage of a vote increasing his salary to £90, but the oi)po- 
nents rallied and reduced it to £60 at the first opportunity." 

Owing to the difiiculty experienced by Rev. Mr. Stone in col- 
lecting his salary, in March, 1789, he asked for a dismissal from 
the pastorate, which the town at that time did not see fit to grant. 
Notwithstanding the delinquency of the people in meeting their 
obhgations, a strong bond of sympathy and aftection existed be- 
tween many of them and their pastor. There were some, hoAvever, 
who did not attempt to conceal their hostility to him, and whether 
this dislike was based upon reasonable cause must be determined 



56 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS.. 

by what followed. It was decided to choose a committee to wait 
upon Mr. Stone to hear his reasons for urging a dismissal. The 
amount due him on account of salary was £325, besides £1 5s. for 
boarding the schoolmaster ; and to recover this sum suits had been 
brought against the town. When the case came up for trial the 
town allowed a default, and consented to pay all costs, upon con- 
dition that no further action should be taken. Mr. Stone con- 
sented to this arrangement, with a stipulation that the mone}^ 
should be paid him by the 1st of September following. 

Very naturally the minister was anxious that some means might 
be adopted that would prevent this quarreling about his salary, and 
at the same time secure to him reasonable compensation for his 
services. Consequently, when the committee chosen by the town 
called upon him he submitted to them the following proposition as 
to the manner in which his future salary might be provided for : 

To the good peojile of Douglas : 

Gentlemen : I inform j-ou b}" your committee that if j^ou think 
proper to continue me here in the ministry for a while longer, and 
it should be agreeable to you to purchase the Mr. Whiting place 
adjoining to mj land, south of the great road, and give me a good 
deed of the same, I am willing utterly to relinquish salary grants 
after coming into possession of said land and building thereon. 
In this proposal I expect my salary to continue until I come into 
possession of said land and building thereon, if I continue to serve 
as minister of the town ; and, upon coming into possession in full 
of said land and building, I will fully discharge the town of Douglas 
from making any more salary grants in consideration of future 
services as my support as the minister. If I should not continue 
in the ministry here ten 3'ears from the time of my coming into 
possession of said premises, I hereb}' bind myself to give back of 
the sum the land costs in proportion to the time lacking of ten 
years from the time I come into possession. Further, I shall con- 
sider myself under equal obligation to do all the duties of a minister 
until I am regularly dismissed, as if I had an annual salarj^, 
agreeable to the original contract. I shall not expect any timber 
or wood shall be cut, but the premises shall remain as they now 

are. This from your friend and humble servant, 

Isaac Stone. 

N. B. — Considering all circumstances, I feel willing to be reg- 



CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 97 

ularly dismissed if you think best. I do not mean to be strenu- 
ous to stay witli you or go from you. Yours affectionately, 

Isaac Stone. 

Tlie terms of this proposition seemed to be in every way satis- 
factory, and, after the matter had been considered in town-meeting, 
steps were taken to secure the property mentioned by purchase. 
Three gentlemen, one each from Uxbridge, Sutton and Oxford, 
were chosen appraisers, and named a price which Mr. Whiting 
refused to accept. The sum asked was £132, but it was finally 
-agreed to. 

Mr. Stone took possession of this place on the 1st of April, 
1792, and gave the use of it to his son Moses. After the title 
was properly transferred he executed a bond releasing the town 
from any future salary grants, notwithstanding which he was 
allowed £85 that very year, a larger sum than ever before, and 
we do not learn that his salary was wholly discontinued at any time 
during his ministry. The settlement effected was a signal for 
many of the inhabitants to petition for an abatement of their min- 
ister rates, which in most cases was granted. In 1805 Eev. Isaac 
Stone was involved in new difficulties. He again asked for a dis- 
missal, because people were dissatisfied with him, and, as he said, 
*'0n me at this time hangs the displeasure of many, and no pros- 
pect remains that I can ever be useful to the town." The final 
disposition of his case will appear in its proper order in the follow- 
ing' concise history of the society, furnished us by Rev. Mr. Dow, 
the present pastor : 

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

This church was formed Nov. 11, 1747, with twenty-three 
members. The first house of worship was erected in the middle 
of the town, very near where the present Church edifice stands, and 
was dedicated in 1748. Mr. Wilham Phipps, a native of Sher- 
born and a graduate of Harvard University, was ordained the 
first pastor, Dec. 16, 1747, and continued in office until July 10, 
1765. Those were times of controversy, resulting in divisions. 
During his pastorate new settlers came into the town, and forty- 
seven were added to the Church. There were 205 baptisms. Tra- 
dition represents him as a faithful minister, though ardent in the 
7 




»/////////!/ f/wf/'/m/fm/nfiw/^ 



^ 




CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 99 

controversial spirit of the times. He was of vigorous mind, and 
patriotic on the pubhc questions which agitated the colonies. 

After the dismission of Rev. Mr. Phipps the people were with- 
out a pastor for six years, having, however, invited four to their 
pastorate, who declined, evidently on account of existing dissen- 
sions, common at the time. 

Mr. Isaac Stone was ordained the next pastor, Oct. 30, 1771. 
He was a native of Shrewsbur}' and a graduate of Harvard Uni- 
versity. These were indeed troublous times in Church and State — 
times that "tried men's souls." Dissensions and divisions be- 
came more bitter ; yet better da3's evidentl}- came afterward in 
Rev. Mr. Stone's long pastorate of thirty-four years. During his 
ministry sixty were added to the Church, and there were 215 bap- 
tisms. He continued to reside in town several years after his dis- 
mission, and then removed to Oxford, where he died. 

Mr. David Holman, a native of Sutton and a graduate of 
Brown University, was ordained pastor b^^ a council that met Oct. 
18, 1808, continuing in session two days. He studied theology 
with Rev. Dr. Emmons, of Franklin. Dr. Emmons was modera- 
tor of the installing council, and addressed the charge to the can- 
didate. On account of the causes just referred to, the Church had 
become much reduced, so that there were only twenty-seven mem- 
bers when Mr. Holman became pastor. His pastorate continued 
thirty-four ^ears, during which 226 were added to the Church, and 
there were 360 baptisms. These facts are stated in his farewell 
sermon. There were seven seasons of marked revival interest, 
besides mau^^ tokens of the renewing presence of the Divine Spirit 
in intervening times. Yet many changes occurred, among them the 
formation of the Church in the East Village in 1834, which greatly 
reduced the old First Church, so that when Rev. Mr. Holman 
closed his pastorate the mnnber of members was reduced to 102, 
and one-third of these were non-resident. The present house of 
worship was erected in 1834. During this long pastorate there 
were many 3-ears in which this Church was one of the largest and 
most influential in the conference. But the Church was now de- 
clining in material strength. The population were continually 
leaving for the manufacturing districts around, to the depression 
of those who remained, and there was unhappiness in the society 
connected with the dismission of Rev. Mr. Holman. 




FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, DOUGLAS CENTER. • 



CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 101 

In 1843 Rev. John W. Salter 1)ecame pastor. During his pas- 
torate the present i)arsonage was erected. Becoming discouraged, 
he continued only three years. The council that dismissed him 
bore witness to their ••' undiminished estimation of his Christian 
and ministerial character," and commended him to the Churches. 

Rev. Mr. Ilolman continued to reside in the parish, and for a 
long time labored as pastor when the Church was destitute. He was 
revered in the community, i-etained an active interest in the Church 
to the close of life, and had a wide influence in the Churches of the 
conference. He died at his home, Nov. IG, 18GG, at the age of 
eighty-nine years, and rests among his people. 

Rev. Gilbert B. Richardson became pastor in 1857. and contin- 
ued in office onl}' three years. He was much esteemed b}' the peo- 
ple, and the council that dismissed him expressed deep regret that 
causes should exist to make his labors so brief. 

In recent years Rev. John D. Smith, Rev. Francis Dyer, Rev. 
Amos Holbrook, Rev. J. W. C. Pike and others have labored 
with the people for brief periods. But by the frequent changes 
and removals of the population the society has been much reduced. 
Yet there have been many tokens of good during these years, and 
individual additions to the Church. The present pastor is Rev. 
W. W. Dow. The society has shown a good degree of persever- 
ance, although it has had to give up mucli of its choicest strength 
to build up other communities elsewhere. 

THE SECOND CONGRECiATIOXAL CHURCH IX EAST DOUGLAS. 

This Church is an outgrowth of the Plrst Church in Douglas. 
Increase of business and population in this village made it a neces- 
sity-. For years the village population worshipped in the old 
church, and not until the daughter had fairly outgrown the mother 
was she willing to acknowledge her independence through a sepa- 
rate organization. On the 12th of June, 1834, an ecclesiastical 
council was convened to consider the expediency of this, and the 
council unanimously gave the measure their approval. A com- 
mittee of three was appointed, consisting of Rev. Dr. Dow of 
Thompson, Ct., Rev. Messrs. ]Maltby of Sutton, and Grosvenor of 
I'xbridge, under whose direction the petitioners, twenty-nine in 
number, were organized into a Congregational Church. 



102 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

The names of the twentv-nine original members are as follows : 

Micali Hill, Oliver Hunt, Jr., Pliebo Hunt, 

Warren Hunt, Leander B. Hunt, Judson Balcome, 

Zelik Darling, Jr., Lydia Hill, Betsy Hunt, 

Luther Stone, Aaron M. Hill, Sophronia Stone, 

Sally Hill, Sally Stone, Betsey Reynolds, 

Sarah Ann Darling, Philinda Whipple, John B. Hunt, 

Diadema Stone, Emeline Sprague, Nabby Lee, 

Moses Hill, Mary Hill, Louisa Lee, 

Otis W. Hunt, Azubah Craggin, Royal Keith. 

Anderson Hunt, Harriet N. Hunt, 

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was first admuiistered in 
the new church on the 3d of August following, b}' Rev, Luke 
Wood, a temporary supply. 

The infant Church gTew and waxed strong. Born with much 
prayer, the sacrifices incident to its earh^ growth were cheerfully 
made by tliose without whose deep interest the enterprise could 
hardly have been a success. Soon after the Church was organized 
a new house of worship was completed and dedicated, and subse- 
quently, on the 14thof Januar3% 1835, the Church extended a unan- 
imous call to the Rev. John Boardman, late of West Boylston, to 
become their pastor. Mr, Boardman accepted the call, and was 
installed over the Church on the 25th of the followins; month. He 
continued in office till Nov. 8th, 1841, when he rested from his 
labors. 

Mr. Boardman was a man of large heart and strong social 
feelings, whose intercourse with his people was both pleasant and 
profitable. He was noted for insisting upon exact order and 
decorum, and was well fitted to mould his people to the best habits 
in these respects. Strongly evangelical, if he was not a close 
student, or what might be called an eloquent preacher, his sermons, 
as a ministerial father once said, contained so much of goodness 
that it was good to hear them. Beloved as a pastor, his death in 
the strength of his manhood was long and sincerely mourned by 
his people. 

Dui'ing his ministry of six years and eight months there was no 
general revival, and yet he did not fail to see additions to his 
little band of Church-members, fourteen being admitted to the 
Church by profession and thirty-seven b}' letter. Ilis last utter- 
ance was an eai-nest prayer for his people. That prayer was 




SECOXD CONGREGATIONAL CHUKCH, EAST DOUGI.A8. 



104 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

answered. A general and powerful revival of religion followecT 
his death almost immediatel3^ Neighboring ministers lent their 
aid, of whom special mention shonld be made of Rev. Mr. Trac}' 
of Sutton. As the fruit of this revival, sevent3'-flve were added 
to the Church by profession. 

While this work was in progress Rev. Chauncy D. Rice com- 
menced his labors, and was installed as pastor on the 7th of the 
following December. It was the privilege of Mr. Rice, and a 
privilege greatly prized bj him, to labor here during part of the 
revival, and gather and enjoy the abundant harvest. At the close 
of the ingathering the Church nuuiljered one hundred and fifty 
members — about twice its number previous to the revival. Mr. 
Rice continued pastor of the Church until December 7th, 1851, 
when, owing to impaired health, he was dismissed. Although 
there was no general revival of religion during his ministry here, 
there were seasons of limited quickening, some conversions, and 
additions to the Church. 

On the Gth of April, 1852, the Church unanimously invited Rev. 
Joshua L. Ma3Miard of Cornwall, Conn., to become its pastor, 
and he was installed the 7th of Julv following. At that time the 
Church had suffered considerable depletion by deaths and removals, 
ha\ing but little more than one hundred and twenty members. 
From that date, though externally prosperous, the Church received: 
few additions until 1854, when in one year there was a net in- 
crease of twenty. From this time until 1858 the accessions were 
very few, although there were seasons of some awakening, and 
the house of worship was enlarged and im})roved. The spring of 
1858 was the commencement of a revival of considerable power. 
As the fruit of it, moi-e than fifty were received into the Church on 
profession. 

Mr. Maynard was dismissed March 8, 18(54, after a pastorate 
of more than eleven years, having received a call from the Con- 
gregational Church in Plainfield, Conn. Laboring in this place until 
November, 1864, he went to Williston, V^t., remaining there nearly 
nine j-ears — a portion of the time pastor of two Churches, when 
he was called suddenly to his reward. His more than thirty years 
of ministerial life have been no small contribution to the cause 
which la^' near his heart. He loved his work, and devoted himself 
to it with rare singleness of aim, taking a deep interest in all mat- 



CHURCH 0R3ANIZATI0NS. 105 

ters of public concern, especially' those relating to temperance and 
education. Careful in his preparations for the pulpit, laborious 
and faithful, his ministerial life could hardly be otherwise than 
successful. He died with the harness of Christian service on, in 
the midst of usefulness, and is atfectionatel}^ remembered. 

Succeeding him, IJev. S. M. Plympton was engaged for one 
year as acting pastor, devoting himself with rare zeal to the 
interests of Christ and the Church, and gaining many friends by his 
genial spirit. He, too, laid aside the armor in the midst of his days, 
in the midst of usefulness summoned to the higher work and 
service of heaA-en. 

INIarch 21, 1860, Rev. William T. Briggs was installed, the 
Church and society having extended an unanimous invitation to 
him to become their pastor. During this pastorate of more than 
twelve years, and still unbroken, one hundred and fifty-three have 
been added to the Church, and one hundred and sixteen by profes- 
sion — an average of nearly thirteen each year. At the present 
time the Church numbers two hundred and thirty-two members. 
The two years of largest accessions were in 1866 (when fortj'-one 
united with the Church — thirty-six by profession, five by letter) 
and in 1877 (when thirty-six united — twenty-nine by profession 
and seven by letter). In 1872 the meeting-house was partiallj^ 
remodeled — an alcove opened in the rear of the pulpit, and a fine 
organ purchased and placed therein, making it one of the most 
attractive houses of worship in the vicinity. During this pastorate 
of twelve years every Church composing the conference has been 
deprived of its pastor, in more than half a change has twice 
occurred, and iu a few instances three times. 

At this date the Church is well-nigh a unit on the temperance 
question, nearly every member having signed the total abstinence 
pledge. For twelve years it has been free from debt, and intends 
to remain so, believing it wiser not to incur a debt than to Hft one. 
Within three years the Church has prepared and published a new 
manual, retaining the old confession for substance, and adding tO' 
the essential articles of faith an elaborate statement of evangelical 
doctrine. 

Although time has wrought great changes, and many pillars iu 
Church and society have fallen, yet it may be no exaggeration to 
state that neither Church nor societj- were ever more united and 



106 



HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 



prosperous than at present. We see not why the future of both 
may not be as the past — yea, and much more abundant. 



REFORMED METHODIST CHURCH 



SOVTH DOrGLAS. 



In the year 1808 a Methodist Episcopal Church was formed at 
South Douglas, and the Church edifice now standing was built. 
Elder Pliney Brett, the first pastor, continued until 1815, when he 




iimiiiiiiuiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuuuillli UJU l:iiiiujiiiiiiiuiiiiiui.llUljiiiuiiiiiil 

INTEEIOK OF 01>D IJEFOKMED METHODIST CHURCH —r SOUTH DOUGLAS. 

withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and effected a new 
organization, under the name of Reformed Methodists. Twenty- 
five members of his Church united with him in the formation of 
the new organization, of which Mrs. Nancj' Yates, wife of Elder 
Yates, is the last surviving member. Others shortly followed Mr. 
Brett, who continued but a short time in the pastorate after the 
formation of the new Church. Having placed himself at the head 
of the new movement^ he Avent about preaching and forming new 
societies. He was quite successful in securing followers. Several 
local preachers and others united with him in the formation of 




liEFORMED METHODIST CHURCH, E\ST DOUGI.AS. 



108 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Churches under the new name, until on Cape Cod and througli the 
JState of Vermont the membership reached about 2,000. 

Ehler Yates was his successor, and continued for many years its- 
devoted pastor, imtil unable to continue his labors longer on ac- 
count of the infirmities of age. Since that tim2 there has been 
no settled minister. Elder Pierce suppUed for a few years. Since 
about the year 18.j0 the meetings have l)een conducted by Elder 
Harvey Wakefield, Elder Parley Brown, and others. The meet- 
ing-house becoming old and unfit for use, meetings were held in 
the hall at the Wm. Jetferson house, so-called. These were kept 
up for five years, and were discontinued in 1870. During this 
time Elder Wakefield officiated. It was afterwards considered as. 
a kind of out-station to the Church at Douglas Center. 

REFORMED METHODIST CHURCH IN EAST DOUfiLAS. 

This Church was organized about the year 1844, with a small 
membership, and a house of worship was built in 1845, on land 
donated bj' Nahum Legg. Solomon P. Snow was in that 3'ear 
ordained as the first pastor. He w^as succeeded by Rev. Wm. C. 
Clark, and in turn was followed by Rev. Mr. Gireeley, who sup- 
plied the pulpit for several months. W. D. Jones then became 
the pastor, and was followed by David Mason, S. E. Pike, Geo. 
G. Perkins, and S. Leader. During Mr. L.'s ministry the parson- 
age was built. S. E. Pike and Deacon White then supplied the 
pulpit for several months, until R. S. Cobb came. Rev. W. Wil- 
kie was their last minister. 

Prior to the formation of this Church quite a number of persons 
in Douglas belonged to the Reformed JNIethodist Church in Mill- 
ville, forming what was termed a "class." Meetings were held by 
them at the school-house in District No. 3, Parley Brown, Amos 
Yates, Harvey AVakefield, William Stone and otheri's conducting 
the services. 

On the 10th of March, 1 86 G, it was voted to change the name 
of the Church to that of Wesleyan MetJiodist, by the Discipline of 
which Church the members were governed (as we believe the}' had 
been) until they were merged in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Rev. Mr. AVilkie, alluded to above, had been the regularly ap- 
l)ointed Wesleyan i)astor in East Douglas since April 2, 1804. 
Though the Church at this time was nominally of the Reformed 
Methodist denomination, it had been virtuall}^ a Wesleyan bod}' 




METHODIST CHURCH, EAST DOUGLAS. 



110 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

for some time. Having been organized under Ihe general stat- 
utes, however, the legal distinction between the Church and so- 
ciety had been kept up. In the year 186G, under Mr. Wilkie's 
labors, quite an extensive revival of religion occurred, resulting in 
the conversion of more than sixty persons, over thirty of whom 
united with the Church. Mr. Wilkie had formerly been identified 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, having left that body in 
1843, on account of its connection with slavery. But, now that 
sla\'ery was no longer in the Church or nation, he felt that he ought 
to return to his old home, the Church of his earl}' choice. This he 
finally determined to do, and most of the members of his Church 
in East Douglas followed him. They met with some opposition 
from a few of the old members, who went so far as to close the 
door of the meeting-house against him. They opened it by force, 
however, and occupied it on the Sabbath, and then in due form 
appealed to the courts for protection ; and at the ensuing session 
of the Supreme Judicial Court an injunction was obtained for a 
few daj's, until the merits of the case could be reached, when the 
injunction was made perpetual. The case is fully detailed in the 
Massachusetts Reports, vol. 95, p. 349. 

On the 5th of November, 18GG, Rev. D. Dorchester, Presiding 
Elder of the Worcester District of the New England Annual Con- 
ference of the Metliodist Episcopal Church, ])y request, came to 
East Douglas and organized the members of the Wesleyan Church 
into a Methodist Episcopal Church, which constituted at this time 
a membership of eighty-four persons, seventy-seven of them being 
from the Wesleyan Church, thus after the lapse of sixty-three years 
reviving the Church which Elder Brett carried into the Reformed 
Methodist ranks. Since April, 18G7, the Church has been regu- 
larly supplied with ministers from the New England Conference of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Rev. Mr. Wilkie was followed by Revs. WilUam P. Blackmer, 
Wilham Silverthorn and Daniel P. Atkins, and under the admin- 
istration of the latter a new and commodious Church edifice was 
erected in the center of the village. This was accomplished in 
1872, and the work it involved was done under Mr. Atkins' per- 
sonal supervision, and mainly through his active laboi's. He was 
succeeded by Rev. William M. Hubbard, who was followed by 
Rev. William D. Bridge, Rev. J. J. Woodbury, the present pastor,, 
following him. 




CATHOLIC CHURCH, EAST DOUGLAS. 



112 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

QUAKER CHURCH, SOUTH DOUGLAS. 

No records of the formation of the old Quaker Church society 
of Douglas can be found. Either its members did not care to 
have their doings inspected by succeeding generations, or the 
minutes of them have been lost. The meeting-house was long 
ago removed from its original site, near the Quaker burying-ground, 
aiid used for other purposes. It occasioned the dwellers around 
about some uneasiness for a considerable while before it was re- 
moved. At various times it was reported, by persons who ha])- 
pened to pass the building under the influence of spirits within, 
that the old church was haunted b}' s[)irits from without - — occu- 
pants of the adjoining grave-j'ard. Believers in ghosts came from 
all parts of the country for twent}' miles around, and — found it 
even so. Sometimes a hundred half-frightened people would 
congregate there to watch the dim forms flitting by the windows, 
and to listen to the sepulchral conversation. It turned out, 
however, that during a certain part of the day the light, falling 
upon the imperfect window-panes, was the author of the mystic 
forms, and that human imaginations originated the ghostly talk. 
Thus was one more good story spoiled, but not before a nation of 
fools had been born in a day. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH, EAST DOUGLAS. 

In the spring of 18G5 the Catholic residents of Douglas and 
Manchaug purchased the neat and commodious building on 
Manchaug street, which the}' now occupy as a place of worship. 
For more than twenty j^ears previous to that time their meet- 
ings were held in the Whitin Tavern Hall, and were presided over 
by Father Sheridan, whose field of labor also included Uxbridge, 
Blackstone and Rockdale. His successor, Eev. Dennis A. O'Keefe 
(since, deceased), was active in securing the present place of wor- 
ship, and remained some time after its dedication. At first the 
meetings were held but once in three months, afterwards once a 
month, and still later once a week or oftener. Eev. Dennis C. 
Moran was the next priest, and was followed by Father Gagnier, 
who purchased the Emory Thaj-er place, opposite the Church, and 
fitted it up as a parsonage. His successor. Rev. J. B. Coullard, 
also took an interest in improvements about the place. During 
the summer and fall of 1878, Rev. A. Delphos, acted as assistant, 
Mr. Coullard being in failing health. 



CHAPTER XI. 



WAR OF THE RERKLLION. 




^N tlirec of the preceding chapters, 
heginning with the sixth, we have 
entleavored, in the spirit of a scru- 
pulous adherence to the truthful but 
houora])le facts in the case, to set 
forth how thoroughh- loyal and val- 
uable were the efforts of the fathers 
of our town in the achievement of 
the country's independence of Brit- 
ish domination. Mewing this as a 
stupendous experiment of popular 
government by and for the people, 
in contrast with the haughty claims 
of hereditary- power. l)acked by the 
wealthy orders of nobility, against 
which it had to contend, the unparalleled success attending their 
efforts through almost a hundred years of testing would seem to 
augur the success of the descendants of these fathers in suppressing 
any remaining relics of those days of baronial arrogance. 

It cannot be disguised that, from the beginning of our national 
history, the elements of a most intolerant aristocracy have found 
constant nutriment in the system of slavery, which, permitted to 
exist in our midst merely by sufferance at the outset, continually 
grew hj what it fed upon, until it ripened into an open menace of 
our very existence as a government. And it is much to the credit 
of the sons of these brave men, who met with such signal success 
on the untried field of a separate national existence, amid difficul- 



114 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

ties and obstacles unprecedented in the formidableness of their 
arra}^, that they proved themselves their worth}'^ successors when re- 
bellion sounded the call to arms again. As then, so now, Douglas 
was among the foremost in ralhdng for the defense of the country. 

As the most reliable criteria on this point, we append the action 
of the town in reference to all the important questions demanding" 
attention at the breaking out of this fratricidal war, b}' which it 
will be seen that the town furnished about two hundred and flfty 
men during the continuance of the war, and at its close was found 
to have sent to the scene of conflict quite a surplus. Five of its 
quota were enrolled among the commissioned officers of the army. 
In proportion to tlie number of its inhabitants, the town was 
represented b}' more men than any other town in Worcester 
count}', and also contributed the most money, on the basis of its 
valuation, for the same purpose. It was simply a rei)etition of the 
old spirit of '76. The whole amount of money appropriated and 
expended l)y the town on the Avar account, exclusive of State 
aid, was $;')0,7o4.3(>. The amount paid by the town for State 
aid and to soldiers' families during the war, and repaid b^' the 
Commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $661.70; in 1862. 
$3,472.47 ; in 1863, $4,222.80 ; in 1864, $2,600 : in I860, $1,100. 
Total amount, $12,056.97. 

The first legal town meeting to act on questions relating to the 
war was held May 7, 1861, at which the town voted to raise by 
taxation $4,000 for the enlistment and equipment of a company of 
volunteers, and to provide for the families of those who enlist. 

On the 11th of September of the same year, at another legal 
meeting of the citizens. $2,000 were api)ropriated for the aid of 
soldiers' famihes, thus assuring the husl)ands and fathers at the 
front that their wives and little ones should be cared for. 

In the month of July of the following year the town voted 
unanimously to pay a bounty of $100 to each volunteer who shall 
enlist for three years' military serAdce, and who should be mustered 
in to the credit of the town, in addition to the bounty ottered by 
the government. And on the 21st of August following in town- 
meeting $50 were added to the bounty " of each of the last eleven 
volunteers." The bounty to A'olunteers for nine months' service 
was fixed at $100, which was on September 4th raised to $150. 

December 11, 1863, Parley Gould and Charles W. Moore were 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 115 

chosen to confer Avith committees of Northbridge and Uxbridge 
in relation to filling the quota of the town. 

July 7,1864, the Selectmen were authorized to pa}- a bountj- of 
$125 to each volunteer who shall enlist for three 3-ears' service, 
and be credited to the town, '^ under any call of the President l)e- 
fore the 1st of March. 18G5 ; and any unappropriated money used 
to reimburse individuals Avho had contributed of tlieir private means 
to pay bounties may l)e used for this purpose." 

August 20, 18(14 . it was voted that the bounties offered by the 
town should all be paid in gold. And in 1865. after the conflict 
had been ended, in the spirit of honor and consistency with all 
its previous action, the town voted to raise $6,500 to reimburse 
citizens who had voluntarily contributed of their private means to 
pay bounties and encourage re-enlisting. It is, however, a fact 
worthy of record that some who had l)een active in securing en- 
hstments and making hberal contributions for that purpose, refused 
to accept their share of the money thus voted b}" the town, choos- 
ing rather to have it remain as it was intended, a free contribution. 
Among this number we find the names of Dea. Albert Butler, who, 
under the call of 1861 offered to pay two dollars and fifty cents to 
every soldier enlisting for three years' service on the quota of 
Douglas. Also Mr. Daniel Phillipps, who, in 1868 made an offer 
of two dollars to every soldier enlisting for nine months. These 
promises were fulfilled to the letter and the money tendered each 
soldier personally while they were in camp at Worcester. These 
acts fully justify all that we have claimed on the score of the patri- 
otism of the citizens. 

The taking of such a firm and uncompromising stand at the 
outset, and maintaining it so cordially from time to time, and with 
such increasing evidence of the sincerity with which the citizens of 
all classes were striving to sustain the men they had called into 
the service of the country, could have no other effect than that 
shown hy the records cited at the commencement of these extracts. 

COMPLETE LIST OF SOLDIEES, WITH THE REGIMENTS TO 
WHICH THEY WERE ATTACHED. 

The following is believed to be as full and accurate a statement 
of the names of all the soldiers from Douglas engaged in the war 
of the Rebelhon, with their rank and the army division in which 



116 



HISTOKY OF DOUGLAS. 



they were enrolled, as can he obtained after tlie most diligent 
search and inqnir^' : 



Second Mass. Vols. 

Lebright Brown, 
John B. Johnson, 
John Kichards, 
Thomas Take, 
Thomas AVolf. 

Fourth Mass. Vols. 

John Shriver. 

Eleventh Mass. Vols. 

Horace Beldmg, 
Lorin R. Chase, 
Philip Gannon, 
J. Francis W. Thompson. 

Fifteenth Mass. Vols. 

Edwin F. Andrews, 
Rufus Belden, Corp., 
Kennedy Bi'onock, 
Franklin Bullard, Corp., 
Benjamin R. Elliott, 
Harlan Fairbanks. Corp., 
Sylvester Oakes, 
Nathaniel Putnam, 
Adoniram J. Rawson, 
Samuel Sibley, 
Harvey Sibley, 
Thomas Snow, Jr., 
Thomas A. South wick, 
Hiram Ward. 

Eighteenth Mass. Vols. 
Alexander Thompson. 

Twenty-Second Mass. Vols. 
Alfred H. Marsh. 

Twenty-Fourth Mass. Vols. 

John Blake. 
Twenty-Fifth Mass. Vols. 

Joseph Albee, 
Orrin J. Aldricli, 
John Allen, 

William De Forest Balcome, 
Musician, 



Benjamin Bartlett, 
James O. Bartlett, 
Nathan S. Bartlett, 
Elbridge Buxton, 
Glory Busch, 
Orlando Carpenter, 
Samuel A. Cragin, 
Joshua Dubuque. 
Cornelius Emmons, Band, 
George A. Gleason. 
Stephen Hall, 
George Hall, 
Samuel Hall, 
John Hall, 

Renssalaer G. Hamilton, 
Benajah Hodge, 
Allen R. Hough, 
Henry C. Lampson, 
George Leach, 
Joseph Lemay, 
Jeremiah E. Luther, Corp., 
Thomas Magee, 
Timothy Megary, 
Aaron Metcalf , 
Marshall Pnrinton, 
Nathaniel Putnam, 
Lambert B. Simmons, 
Hiram Staples, 
Amos Steere, Band, 
Francis A. Stockwell, 
Joseph Teabaidt, 
Charles C. Wall, 
William Wood. 
Twenty-Seventh Mass. Vols. 
Dr. Franklin Hunt, Assistant 

Surgeon, 
William Mayer, 
Lewis Satro. 

Twenty-Eighth Mass. Vols. 

Thomas J. Calden, Band, 
Enoch Converse, Band, 
Noah H. Jones, Band, 
Edward L. Thayer, Band, 
Bennett W. Thomas, Band. 



WAR OP THE REBELLION. 



117 



Thirtieth Mass. Vols. 
John Perry. 

Thirty-Third Mass. Vols. 
James Ward. 

Thirty-Sixth Mass. Vols. 
Daniel A. Burton, ttergt., 
Patrick Callahan, 
Leonard A. Chapman, 
Elias H. Freeman, 
Matthew Hudson, 
William Mowry. 

Fifty-First Mass. Vols. 

Leander Andrews, 

Nelson Angell, 

Joseph T. Arnold, 

Charles T. Balcome, 

Elmer H. Balcome, 

Wellington Balcome, 

Solomon V. E. Barnes, 

Lemuel C. Belding, 

John Bird, 

Philetus Butt'um. 

Loami B. Carr, 

John Collar, 

John Donaldson, 

George E. Dunn, 

John X. Gaskell, 

Gilbert Gillson, 

Leonard G. Higgins, Corp., 

Moses W. Hollis. 

Joseph Hough, 

Josiah Hough, Jr., 

Loren M. Howell, 

AVilliam Hunt, Capt., 

George F. Hutchins, Band, 

William N. Jones, 

Oscar Keith, 

Benjamin Knapp, Corp., 

Alphonso Luther, Sergt., 

Francis A. Maynard, Corp., 

Charles W. Moore, 2d Lieut., 

Francis L. Moore, 

Lewis T. Moore, Sergt., 

Naham Morse. 



Ezekiel Packard, 1st Lieut., 

Peter Roberts, 

Charles F. Russell. 

Jeremiah F. Russell, 

Alfred Snow, 

Ira Southwick, 

Willis W. Sherman, 

Simeon H. Staples, 

Lucius M. Thayer, Capt., 

Elijah Thompson, 

David L. Thomas, 

Chandler Titus, 

Hiram Ward, 

Charles Whitney, 

Lvicius S. Whipple. 

Charles A. Whipple, 

Wilbour A. Wilcox, 

William H. Wilcox, 

James Woodard, 

Dorris B. Young. 

Fifty-Sevp:nth Mass. Voi^s. 

David B. Curtis, 
John N. Gaskell, 
Henry Glover, 
Abner A. Lealand, 
Lewis Mountain. 

Fifty^-Eighth Mass. Vols. 
George A. Stone. 

First Mass. Cavalry. 

John D. Darling, 
Noah M. Knight, 
William N. Sprague, 
Charles C. Walls, 
John Kelly. 

Third Mass. Cavalry. 
Herbert R. Bragg. 
Fourth Mass. Cavalry. 
William Brown. 
James Clark, 
John McGrath, 
Noah M. Knight.* 

♦Transferred from First Mass. Cavalry. 



118 



HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 



First Mass. Heavv Artilleby. 

Stephen Martyr, 
Alexander Miken, 
Andrew Peter. 

Second Mass. Heavv Artillery. 

Joseph Bygoine, 
Chai-les Boner, 
Thomas Fitzgerald, 
William L. Church, 
John Hartwell, 
Miletus Luther, 
James Clarke, Corp., 
John Manning, 
Alfred Snow, 
Joseph Quinn. 



Sixteenth (Unattached) 
Heavy Artillery. 

Thomas W. Nelson, 
Byron Richardson, 
Osborn Richardson. 

First R. I. Vols. 
George R. Buftum. 

Second R. I. Vols. 
Leonard C. Belding, 
Charles W. Stearns. 

Fourth R. I. Vols. 

Sabine Angell, 
Windsor Ballon, 
William W. Caswell, 
Simeon Smith. 

Seventh R. I. Vols. 

Elisha E. Thompson, Corp. 

First R. I. Cavalry. 

George Aldrich. 
Simeon A. Brown, 
Sylvester Chase, 
H. C. Fitts, Capt., 
Chas. E. Gould, 
Albert A. Greene, 
Munroe W. Ide, . 
M. Leach, 
James Lee, 



Co. 



Charles H. Legg, 
M. M. Luther, 
William Lyon, 
Alfred P. Palmer, 
Geoi'ge Snow, 
Leander Thompson, 
Albert J. Watkins. 
Ira. Wakefield, 
Thomas J. Wood. 

Third R. I. Cavalry. 

Chas. A. Andrews,Quar. Sergt., 

Edwin F.Andrews, Com. Sergt., 

W. D. Balcome, 

Samuel Cragin, 

Henry C. Fitts, Capt., 

Daniel E. Gould, 

Eugene H. Gould. 

Joseph Hough, 

Nelson Jepherson, Farrier, 

Thomas Magee, Corp., 

Myron Simpson, 

Bennett W. Thomas, 

Wm. H. Wilcox. 

Seventh R. I. Cavalry. 

W. De Forest Balcome, 
Henry C. Fitts, Musician, 
Hezekiah Knight. 

Third R. I. Heavy Artillery.. 

Peter Balcome, 
Cyrus Jepherson, 
George Jepherson, 
James Jepherson. 

Thirteenth Conn. Vols. 
Newell J. Lee, Sergt. 

Eighteenth Conn. Vols. 
Walter Ward. 

Twenty-Sixth Conn. Vols. 
Myron Starrett. 

Engineer Corps U. S. Army. 

Francis S. Phillips, 
Napoleon Ritchie. 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



110 



FouBTH Vermont Vols. 
George II. Amidon. Capt. 

Signal Corps U. S. Army. 

Thomas L. Bovey, 
George Ballou, 
Addison Hawkey. 
Henry E. Hawkey, 
Charles S. Hohnes, 
Michael Martin. 
.John T. Shaw. 
Horace L. Tilton, 
Elliot Travis. 

U. S. Navv. 
Edtiar P. Barton. 



John Norton. 
James Wilson. 

Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Charles H. Beers, 
Oscar L. Brown, 
August Chrome, 
Edmund Coggshall, 
John Goodnow, 
Dennis M. Hennesey, 
Munro W. Ide, 
William F. Krantz, 
Nathaniel Palmer, 
James Tubbs, 
David H. Selgham, 
Thomas Stratton, 
Madison Sanborn, 
Martin H. Schollay. 



CASUALTIES. 

Capt. Gp^o. H. Amidon, wounded in the thigh in the battle of the 
Wilderness May .5, 1864; partly recovered, and returned to the army, and 
wounded again (in the thigh) at Cedar Creek Oct. 17, 1804. Since died, 
and was buried in Oxford. 

Joseph Albkk, died and was buried at Newbern, N. C, in the spring 
of 1868. 

Capt. Simeon Brown, wounded June 18. 186;J. Died at East Doug- 
las. 

Nathan Baetlett, killed at Cold Harbor, June 3. 1S()4. 

Daniel A. Burton, wounded by a shell before Petersburg Oct. 2, 1804. 
Died Oct. 19, 18(54; buried at South Sutton Cemetery. 

C)rlando Carpenter, wounded in the arm and leg at Cold Harbor 
June .3, 1864, and died in the hospital at Washington June 16, 1864. 

Leonard A. Chapman, killed before Petersburg July 9, 1864. 

LoRiN P. Chase, died May 0, 1864; buried in the Douglas Cemetery. 

David B. Curtis, killed at Petersburg, Va., June, 1864. 

Ben.jamin p. Ei,liott, killed at Antietam, September, 186l', and was 
bui-ied there. 

Harlan P'airbanks, severely wounded in the leg and foot at the 
battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines, near Richmond, Va., June 30, 1862. 

Capt. Henry C. Fitts, died of small-pox at Donaldsonville, La.. Dec. 
19, 1864, and was bviried tliere. 

John N. Gaskell, killed near Spottsylvania court-house May 31, 

1864. 

Pebley U. Germe, missing. 



120 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Gkokoe a. Gleason, severely wounded in the leg at Cold Harbor 

June 3, 1864, and discharged Oct. 20, 1864. 

Henry Gi,ovek, killed at Gold Harbor June 3, 1864, and buried 
there. 

Daniel E. Gould, taken prisoner — feet badly frozen. Suffered in 
rebel prison, but was exchanged, and died May 2.5, at Jefferson Barracks, 
Mo., of typhoid fever, brought on by exposure. 

EuGEXE E. Gould, discharged Nov. 16, 1864. Lost on steamer North 
America, off Cape Hatteras, Dec. 22, 1864. 

Charles E. Gould, taken prisoner June 18, 1863. Exchanged, and 
again taken prisoner Oct. 12, 1863. Exchanged, and taken prisoner for the 
third time March 31, 1864; was afterwards exchanged, and transfen'ed to 
Troop D, 1st R. I. Cavalry, Dec. 21, 1864. 

Albert A. Greene, taken prisoner June 18, 1863. Exchanged, and 
re-enlisted. 

Allen R. Hough, died of typhoid fever at Hampton hospital Aug. 
10, 1864. 

Joseph Hough, taken prisoner while bearing dispatches, near New 
Orleans. 

Matthew Hudson, lost in battle. 

Dr. Franklin Hunt, killed by guerrillas at Little Washington, N.C. 

George Jepherson, died in hospital at New York Oct. 28, 1863, and 
was buried there. 

Newell J. Lee 

M. Leach, missing in action Oct. 12, 1863. Supposed to have been 
caijtured. 

Jerrie E. Luther, died at Newbern, N. C, Oct. 14, 1863, of conges- 
tion of the brain; buried in Evergreen Cemetery. 

Abner a. Leland, killed before Petersburg June 23, 1864, and was 
buried there. 

William Lyon, not accounted for. 

Timothy Magary, killed before Petersburg May 11, 1864, and was 
buried there. 

Thomas M. Magee, wounded in side by grape shot at battle of Roan- 
oke Island. Lost on steamer North America off Cape Hatteras Dec. 
22, 1864. 

Mark Mitchell, died at Newbern, N. C. 

Daniel Mix, wounded in the arm at Cold Harbor June 2, 1864, and 
discharged from service Jan. 16, 186.5. 

Francis L. Moore, died in hospital at Newbern, N. C, April 26, 1863. 
Buried in E. Douglas Evergreen Cemetery. 

Sylvester Oakes, killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. 

William Oakes, wounded in the leg at Antietam Sept. 15, 1862. 

Nathaniel C. Putnam, died at Fairfax, Va., Oct. 10, 1862, of con- 
sumption. 

Jose;ph Quin.x, wounded in leg and foot in skirmish near Newbern, 
N. C, in 1864. 

Samuel Sibley, wounded severely in the leg at Ball's Bluff Oct. 21, 
1861, and died at Poolesville, Md., Nov. 6, 1861, and was buried there. 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 121 

George Sxow, Avounded March 17, 18(33. Re-enlisted. 

Myron Starrett, wounded above the hip at Port Hudson first day's 
battle, and died before morning. May 27, 1863. 

David L. Thomas, taken prisoner by scouts, near Bayou, La., Jan. 
23, 1865. 

Elisha E. Thompson, wounded slightly Dec. 13, 1862, at battle of 
Fredericksburg. 

Leander Thompson, died of consumption Feb. 29, 1864, in Douglas. 

Luther White, taken prisoner at Staunton, Va., June 12, 1864. 
Died at Annapolis, Md., March 14, 186.5. Died of starvation. 

William H. Wilcox, discharged Nov. 16, 1864. Lost on steamer 
North America off Cape Hatteras Dec. 22, 1864. 

Decoration Day has been observed from year to year, in a qniet 
but appropriate manner. There has been no permanent soldiers' 
organization since the war, althongh in the spring of 1869 efforts 
were made to organize a Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. 
The requisite number of names were secured among the surviving 
soldiers and officers in this town, but no organization was effected. 

G. F. Hutchins organized an independent company of militia 
in June, 1870, and attempted to enlist them in the State service, 
and to procure uniforms and arms, but he failed to accomplish this 
object, and the company was afterwards disbanded. 



CHAPTER XII 




MCWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. 

OMEWIIERE near the latter part of 18fi7 two 
Journeymen printers, Gustavns B. (.^uiniby and 
George W. Spencer, then employed in the office 
of the Times at Webster, conceived the idea of 
stivrting in business together, and commenced 
looking around for a location. They corre- 
sponded with postmasters and others in ascer- 
taining whel-e a town could be found with suffi- 
cient population and ])ul)lic spirit to support a newspaper, but, 
while few towns were unwdlling to have a local organ, most of 
those not already supplied could otfer no substantial encourage- 
ment. Both of the would-be publishers were experienced in the 
mechanical work of a printing office, but neither of them had oc- 
cupied an editorial position, or were familiar with the details of the 
publishing Imsiness, which, perhaps, was one of the reasons wh^' 
more encouragement w^as not extended to them. 

Mr. Dresser, editor of the Times, learning the intentions of his 
employes, suggested that the neighboring town of Douglas would 
afford a good field for operation. Acting upon his suggestion, 
Mr. .Spencer visited this place in January, 1868, and consulted 
w'ith some of the leading citizens. First visiting the office of the 
Douglas Axe Manufacturing Company, and introducing himself to 
the agent, Mr. Edwin Moore, he ascertained that considerable job 
printing could be transferred from offices at Worcester to a home 
office, should one be established. Mr. Moore was quite enthusias- 



NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. 



123 



tic over the idea of having a local paper, with a job printing ofBce 
connected, and his kindness and courtesy strengthened the deter- 
mination of the projectors to make this the seat of their opera- 
tions. 

A handbill was issued, setting forth the ideas of Messrs. 
Quimby and Spencer, and calhng for subscriptions to the Douglas 
Herald, the first number of which it was intended to issue on the 
1st of March. These were posted all over town, and subscription 
papers were left in charge of various persons for signatures. 

Tlie resources for establishing the printing business in Douglas 
were of the most meager description, as neither of the projectors 




(Knapp Building.) (Arcade.) 

OFFICES OF DOUGLAS HEKALl), EAST DOUGLAS. 



were in possession of any considerable amount of money or 
property ; l)ut they had an abundance of faith. JVIr. (Quimby was 
the owner of an old-fasliioued Ruggles job press, which would 
print a form only about five by eight inches, and he had laid by 
something like $200 for a rainy day. "Mr. Spencer succeeded in 
raising about an equal sum, and, being something of a mechanic, 
he went to work at l)uilding the necessary frames and stands 
needed for the office, so as to reduce the amount of capital re- 
quired to the lowest possible figure. All of this work was done at 
night, after the day's labor in the Times office. A wood-shed 



124 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

adjoining his boarding-house was used for a carpenter's shop, with- 
out bench or floor, and with oul}' a hand-saw and hammer. The 
work was necessarily very rouglil}' done, but it answered the pur- 
pose. 

It Avas intended to secure at least five hundred subscribers 
before issuing the first number of the paper, but it was found 
impossible to get this number, and the figures were reduced, first 
to four hundred, and then again to three hundred. When the 
latter number was nearly reached, arrangements were made for 
procuring the press and type from the New England TA-pe 
Foundry of Messrs. Phelps & Dalton, in Boston. A hand-press, 
somewhat worn, but just overhauled and repaired, was selected, 
with four hundred pounds of long primer, two hundred pounds of 
breAaer, about twenty fonts of job type, and other necessary 
articles — the whole amounting to about S<S()0. It was agreed 
that $400 should be paid down, a portion of the l)alance in sixty 
days, and the remainder in ninety days. These conditions were 
adhered to, and Avere made possible by the terms of subscription 
to the paper, which required pa3nnent in advance, thus placing 
the necessary amount of money in the hands of the publishers. 

An office was secured in- the second storj' of the Iniilding 
adjoining the hotel, owned by Mr. Asa Thayer, in the lower 
story of which was the post-office. Two rooms were made into 
one by removing a partition, and for the time these quarters were 
amply sufficient. The press and material arrived al)out the 1st 
of March, and the office was arranged and work begun on the 
first paper b^- Mr. Spencer, his partner remaining in his old posi- 
tion at Webster until the last moment. 

On the seventh day of March, 1868, the first number of the 
Douglas Herald made its appearance. It had four pages of six 
columns each, and five columns of local advertising matter. It 
was spoken of I)}" its contemporaries as " a bright, newsy sheet," 
and its publishers and the community took pardonable pride in it. 
In its salutatory the publishers stated that the Herald Avas designed 
to represent the town of Douglas, Init it Avas their intention to 
make the paper a welcome A'isitor in man}' homes in other locahties. 
It was committed to no sect or party, but its columns were opened 
to all who wished candidly to discuss measures of public policy 
affecting the moral, social and political welfare of the people. As 



NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. 125 

between a manly independence, on the one hand, and a craven 
nentrahty on the other, the former was accepted as the rule of 
action, and the public were informed that " whatever ability and 
influence this humble sheet might possess would be fearlessly 
exerted in supporting the eternal principles of liberty, justice and 
truth, which must endure when platforms crumble and creeds are 
forgotten." 

Starting with a circulation of only about two hundred and sixty 
copies, and a small advertising patronage, frequent additions were 
made to the subscription Kst, and by the 1st of July its advertis- 
ing space was increased to thirteen columns. Still, with the in- 
crease of patronage the pubUshers did not find their position free 
from ditficulties, and Hve or die was for some time an open ques- 
tion. It took the greatest possible amount of hard work and the 
most rigid economy to meet the payments due upon the press and 
type, and to place the concern ui)ou a secure footing. Four months 
of toil, with poor health and sickness in his family, were sufficient 
for Mr. Quimby, and on the 11th of July he retired from the Arm, 
leaving Mr. Spencer as sole editor and publisher. The money to 
purchase Mr. Quimby's interest in the concern was raised by a 
mortgage for $600 on the office, which was taken by Mr. Asa 
Thayer and Dea. Albert Butler, both of whom had manifested great 
interest in the success of the enterprise. With this money Mr. 
Quimby went to Providence and started a job office, afterwards 
moving to Woonsocket and starting the business now conducted 
by W. H. Goodale & Co. He did not succeed in his new ven- 
tures, and some years afterwards died, while employed as foreman 
in the office of the Worcester West Chronicle at Athol, 

After three months of sole proprietorship, Mr. Spencer on the 
1st of October took Henry F. Dudley into partnership with him. 
The paper was enlarged to seven columns on a page, and an effort 
was made to enUst the interest of Whitinsville people by engag- 
ing Mr. George L. Gibbs, a leading merchant of that place, as 
local correspondent. 

Mr. Dudley was not a practical printer, and he evinced but 
little taste for the newspaper business! Nominally he was the 
'* business manager" of the concern, while Mr. Silencer continued 
to edit the paper and superintend the mechanical department. 
While this partnership continued the liabiUties of the concern 



126 HISTOEY OF DOUGLAS. 

coustantl}' increased, and the end of the year found it beaxing a 
heav}' burden of iudel)tedness. 

In September, 1869, Mr. Fenner Batcheller, postmaster of the 
viUage, gave notice of his intention to resign his office, and some 
of the friends of the paper wanted its editor appointed to the posi- 
tion, thinking that the salary would aid him in establishing the 
paper on a surer basis. A caucus of Republican voters was held 
in Citizens' Hall on the 13th of September, when Mr. Spencer was 
nominated for postmaster by a unanimous vote, and a petition in 
his favor was forwarded to Washington with Mr. Batcheller's 
resignation. On the following week Mr. Dudley's name disap- 
peared from the paper, and Mr. Spencer was again alone as 
publisher. He was duly installed as postmaster, and the two 
otfices were connected by an open stairway. 

In the latter part of the year ISfii) the Herald began to agitate 
various subjects of local importance, and so much earnestness 
was given to the work as to alienate some of its former supporters 
who entertained antagonistic views. One of these was the building of 
a new town hall from the proceeds of the Moses Wallis devise, which, 
luider the terms of the will, could not be used for sixty years, and 
then only the accumulating interest of a new principal. An 
opinion was entertained by many intelligent citizens that the 
Legislature could empower the town to set aside the obnoxious 
proA'isions, and allow the money to be used for the purposes 
specified without waiting for the sixt}' years to expire. Others 
favored the issuing of town notes to build a hall, and allow the 
interest to l»e met by the interest of the Wallis investments. 
The Herald, while committing itself to no definite plan, favored 
the building of a hall at once, and sought by every means in its 
power to urge this necessity upon the people. The main objection 
came from the suburban residents, who saw in the building of a 
town hall the removal of all town business from the Center, and 
the bare mention of such an idea, or anything tending in that 
direction, was sufficient to arouse a spirit of jealousy and oppo- 
sition. A rough cut of a suitable building was made by W. A. 
Emerson, then an amateur engraver, and it bears a striking 
resemblance to the building recently erected by Mr. Asa Thayer 
for a village hall and other purposes. Mr. Emerson, having '' got 
his hand in," continued to illustrate other subjects, and frequent 



NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. 127 

caricatures of persons easily recognized appeared from time to 
time, creating sensations which helped the paper in some directions 
and injured it in others. 

Another subject which excited much interest and created con- 
siderable feeling was the annexation of Manchaug to East Doug- 
las, and the formation of a new town, leaving Old Douglas out to 
cool off its heated opposition to all measures looking to the pros- 
perity of the East Village. This was illustrated by a map, show- 
ing the proposed new division hue, and an imaginative sketch of a 
Manchaug man climlnng the Sutton hills to attend town-meeting 
in the centre of his own town. Santa Clans was also depicted, 
with the village of Manchaug upon his back, bringing it as a Christ- 
mas gift to Douglas. 

The issue of Jan. 1. 1870, contained a sketch which, hke the 
boy's picture, needed some explanation to '^ distinguish the cow 
from the rose." Astride the luiiverse sat Father Time, with his 
hour-glass and remorseless scythe, the latter having pen-etrated the 
Moses WaUis will, which hung in a shattered condition from the 
end thereof. With his left foot he was represented as kicking into 
black eternity an old fogy who had opposed all advancement. On 
the left of the picture the sun was rising in splendor over the 
united villages of East Douglas and Manchaug, with the majestic 
proportions of the new town hall looming up in the foreground. 
No better perspective of the coming year was desired by the paper, 
and the " fulmination of the artist's vivid imagination" was hoped 
to be the precursor of li\'ing reality. 

At the close of the year 1869 the bona fide circulation of the 
Herald was in tlie neighborhood of four hundred copies. Its ex- 
penses had been very much increased, and. on account of the stand 
taken in local affairs, some of the town's people had not only with- 
drawn their support, but were actively engaged in influencing oth- 
ers to follow their example. If the editor was in error in his 
earnest advocacj^ of measures, he was certainly conscientious, and 
he enjoj-ed at least the s^inpathy of by far the largest portion of 
the intelligent, public-spirited population of the village. The 
falling off in receipts of the paper was more than counterbalanced 
b}- the increase in the jobbing department, which made the pur- 
chase of a new press necessary-. It was not thought prudent, 
however, to allow the paper to absorb more of the income of the 



128 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

office than belonged to it, and consequently in November it adopted 
the co-operative plan, purchasing ready-printed outsides from the 
New York Newspaper Union, which were forwarded regularly on 
the day before pubhcation. A bid for increased patronage in 
WhitinsAdlle was made at the same time liy issuing a sheet called 
the Whitinsville CompencUvm, which differed but little from the 
Herald, except in advertising and the re-arrangement of matter. 
This sheet was placed under the editorial and business control of 
Mr. George L. Gibbs, whose pungent locals and careful manage- 
met won for it as much popularity- and success as a half local paper 
could expect to gain. 

Nearly three 3'ears of newspaper experience in East Douglas 
had convinced the publisher that it was an luipromising field for 
the accumulation of a competency, or for the establishment of a 
successful and prosi:)erous journal. The people of Blackstone 
were anxious for the establishment of a paper in that town, and 
overtures from some of them led to a consideration of the idea of 
removing the Herald to that i)lace, where it would have the ad- 
vantage of a larger population, and a more extensive business at 
an important railroad centre. AVhen this idea was made public, 
Mr. A. F. Jones, an influential and public-spirited merchant of 
East Douglas, sought to induce JNIr. Spencer to remain, and through 
his influence a sufficient sum of money was raised by subscrip- 
tion to purchase a power press which was placed in the office. 
Partly on this account, and more on account of the good will which 
this act represented, the idea of leaving was for the time abandoned. 
Subsequently the press was purchased by INfr. Spencer, who paid 
back the amounts contributed l>y the citizens. 

The issues of both the Herald and Compendium appeared on 
the 11th of November, reduced to six columns on a page, and 
printed entirely at the home office, the ready-i)rinted outsides be- 
ing abandoned. Typographically and otherwise the paper never 
presented a more creditable appearance. 

March 9th, 1872, Mr. Charles A. W. Spencer, a brother of the 
editor, who had been for some time in his employ, was admitted 
to partnership, but the finu name remained unchanged under the 
style of G. W. Spencer &, Co. 

On the 25th of Januar}", 1873, the Douglas Herald and Whit- 
insville Compendhnn were merged into one sheet, called the Wor- 



NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. 129 

cester ^HuutJi Compendium^ iiud was at tlie same time enlarged to 
seven columns on a page. The paper continued to exist as a Doug- 
las institution until the 4th of October, 1873, when it was removed to 
Uxbridge, against the wish of a large portion of the people of this 
♦ town. The job office was separated from the paper, and left in 
charge of the junior member of the hnn, who also for a time acted 
as editor of a Douglas department. Within a few months of the 
removal the job office was sold to Mr. C. J. Batcheller, a former 
employe of the concei-n, who has since continued to act :is agent 
and correspondent of the Worcester South Comjiendhtm. Through 
the efforts put forth in this direction the paper has succeeded in 
retaining the larger part of its Douglas support, and is still con- 
sidered the local organ of the town and vicinity. 

I'roliablv no paper ever had a more enthusiastic set of sup- 
porters than the Herald while it remained here, notwithstanding its 
recognized faults and insufficiencies. The business men of the 
community were anxious to have an organ which might aid in 
correcting evils and promote the town's welfare. There is no 
doubt that the paper did n great deal in this direction, but it 
might have done much more if it had been backed by sufficient 
capital. It was an impecunious institution from the start, and 
never succeeded in surmounting the obstacle of debt, although its 
facilities were greatl}- improved hy additions of type and material 
from time to time. No injustice is done to its founder and pub- 
lisher in saying that a lack of financial management has been the 
one obstacle encountered. The tone of the paper was such as 
to meet the approval of the lastidious. It always sought to 
advance the interests of the town as a whole, without regard to 
the prejudices of the fcAv, and it advocated its pet ideas fearlessly 
and without favor. Its influence could never be bought, l)ut its 
cohnnns were always open to any respectful complainant, or to 
any one who had a subject of public interest to discuss. On the 
subject of schools the Herald always took a position m advance of 
the sentiment of the community, ridiculing the idea of putting the 
high school on Avheels, to be moved here and there at the beck of 
some agitator, and denouncing the action of the town in returning 
to the district system after its condonnation by the best intelligence 
of the State. In politics it was professedly " independent," which 
in the opinion of ,the editor did not den^- him the privilege of 



130 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

writing and voting with the Repuhhcan party if he saw fit to do so. 
In times of heated political contests his views were sometimes 
fonnd to he objectionable to his Democratic readers, and in the 
Butler campaigns the hostility of the paper to the General as a 
gubernatorial candidate won the ill will of some Republicans. 

The Herald was started as a local paper, and its object, from 
first to last, was to present an epitome of local news, and to 
advocate beneficent measures of a local nature, making the dis- 
cussion of other matters of secondary importance. In this field 
it was a success, and claims onlj' the credit due it. 

Since the publication of the Herald was discontinued in East 
Douglas the following publications have been issued : 

In 1874 The Advertiser, a monthly sheet, by C. J. Batcheller. 

Our Home Journal, by W. D. Bridge & Co., in 1877. 

In October. 1877, the Engraver's Proof-Sheet, tin illustrated 
paper, by Wm. A. Emerson, now in its second year. 

In 1876 a volume entitled Practical Instructions in the ^irt 
of Wood, Engraving, by Wm. A. Emerson, a 16-mo., 52 pp., 
illustrated. 

All the above were printed at the office of C. J. Batcheller. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



douctLas hands, societjes, etc. 




ERY early in 
the history of 
Douglas it just- 
ly had the rep- 
utation of be- 
ing' a musical 
town, and at 
the old-fash- 
ioned musters would almost invariably l)e represented l)y a regu- 
larly organized band of music. The tirst association of this kind of 
Avhich we liave any account was composed of the members named 
below. It nourished for a number of years, and was in existence 
as early as l.SOO : Adolphus Taft. leader; Col. Ezekiel Preston, 
l)ass clarion ; .Stephen Southworth, Jesse Balcome, Micah Hill. 
Fuller JNIarsh, Dea. Isaac Gale, James Farwell. John Balcome. 
and Joseph Lee, clarionet ; Aaron Marsh, bassoon ; Ellis Balcome, 
bass drum. Wm. Hale, Sam'l Balcome, David Balcome. and 
Benaiah Morse were also members of this band, though we are not 
able to state the parts assumed by them. 

The second band of w^hich mention should be made was com- 
posed of very good players. The tirst seven in the subjcjined list 
being young players were called the '' Steer Band," and the last 
six the '' Ox Team ;" Dorris Taft, leader ; Homer Whipple, bugle ; 
Willard Taft and Edward Balcome, clarionet ; Jedediah Balcome, 
fife : Joseph Hunt, small drum : Austin Packard, bass drum ; 
Cullen Whipple, bugle ; Justin Whipple and Clark Balcome. clari- 



132 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

ouet ; Luther Stone, life ; Sumner Balcome, small drum ; Chester 
Morse, bass drum. 

''Ned Kendall," as he was familiarly called, figured promi- 
nenth' at musters near this time. He was about the onlj^ person 
who pla^'ed the bugle at general musters, and receiAxd $10 per day 
for his serAaces. Bugles were then made wdthout keys, and Cullen 
Whipple improved his bj- making finger-holes at the bend of the 
horn, by which he secured important variations in the tones of 
this instrument. 

A few years afterwards another ])and (also under the leadership 
of Dorris Taft) was started, of which David Perry of Worcester 
was the teacher. It was composed of the following members : 
Willard Taft,Francis Taft. Edwin Moore, Malvern Wheeler, Dudley 
Balcome, Caleb Legg. George Reynolds. S. W. Heath, Sumner 
Sutton, William B. Amidon. Homer A>'hipple, Ansel Newton, 
Amasa Coggeshall. Austin Packard, and Sunnier Balcome. 

About the year 1840 this band gave a concert at Sutton street. 
and on the way home the stage conveying them was upset. 
Homer Whipple had his shoulder br(^ken and his bugle thoroughly 
jammed, and Dudle}^ Balcome's trombone was also so badl}- broken 
and jammed as to be deemed worthless. The company continued 
its organization only a short time after the accident. Mr. Whipple 
turned over his bugle to Dorris Reynolds, who was then about 
fourteen years of age, and he was so successful in repairing it 
that it was rendered highly serviceable again. After practicing for 
a while in the old lower axe shops at Douglas Center he was rein- 
forced by Clark Balcome, who had secured the loan of a trombone, 
and the two devoted most of their waking hours to practice — often 
by the light of a candle far into the night. After becoming some- 
what proficient in the use of their instruments they made their 
first pubUc appearance by marching in solenni procession through 
the streets to the tune of "• Yankee Doodle." Such an excitement 
did this arouse in the village that a mass-meeting was immediateh" 
called at the vestry of the Congregational church, and a band was 
organized with Mr. Amidon as leader on the E flat bugle, and 
Dorris Reynolds second leader on the B flat bugle. The following 
names were identified with this band : H. C. Re^uiolds, Isaac 
Balcome, Jonah Morse, Levi Stoddard, Gideon Turner, Peter Bal- 
come, John (Tibson, Mowry Lapham, James Balcome, Warren 



DOUGLAS BANDS, SOCIETIES, ETC. 133 

Baleome, Augustus Baleome, Samuel Balcoine, Pxlwiu Balcome, 
Luther Balcome. Clark Balcome, Charles Balcome. aud David 
Dudley. 

In 1858-9 a uew baud was formed, with A. A. Goodspeed of 
Putnam, Conn., teacher ; D. T. Rej-nolds, leader, and A. F. Jones, 
second leader. 8. N. Jones, N. H. Jones, Amos Steere, Edward 
Thayer, M. M. Luther. Thomas J. Calden, Henry C. Fitts, W. D. 
Balcome, Stillman Russell, Bennett W. Thomas, Charles Whipple, 
Cornelius Emmons, Enoch Converse, and Thomas Southwick were 
associated with them. 

In 1861, at the outbreak of the Rel^ellion, nearly all the mem- 
bers of this band enlisted. Three times during the war was the 
band reduced and again filled. It^retained its organization until 
about 1870. 

In 1872 another company was organized, with A. A. Good- 
speed as teacher, D. T. Reynolds leader, A. F. Jones second leader, 
and including also the following members : George W. Spencer, 
C. A. W. Spencer, Arthur Sutton, Walter E. Cooke, Frank Young, 
Charles Hall, Westley Metcalf, L. A. Thayer, C. F. Russell, Still- 
man Russell, Nelson Jepherson, and M. M. Luther. This band 
continued its organization for about two years. 

The present flourishing band was started June 2, 1875, with 
Dorris T. Reynolds leader, and X. H. Jones second leader. In 
April, 1876, Mr. Reynolds resigned, and Mr. E. F. Darcey of 
Putnam. Conn., was chosen leader and teacher. James H. Bal- 
come, James B. Williams, M. M. Luther, F. F. Young, L. A. 
Thayer, Nelson Jepherson, T. O. Murph}-, C. F. Travis, S. P. 
Copp, A. D. Bowers, A. E. Sutton, Chester Williams, Herbert 
W. Jones, George I. Hopkins, Stillman Russell, Elmer H. Bal- 
come, Moses H. Balcome, H. E. Boardman, W. P. Hough, W. F. 
Young, J. R. Darling, H. W. Sutton, C. F. Russell, Arthur F. 
Jones, H. B. Martin, William H. Balcome, and Eli Messier con- 
stitute the remaining members. 

THE DOUGLAS LITERARY SOCIETY 

was organized on the 5th of October, 1875, the mutual improve- 
ment of its members being the object contemplated in its forma- 
tion. It had the following names on its roll of members at the 
time of its organization : Misses Chandler, Robbins. Sibley, and 



134 HISTOIIY OF DOUGLAS. 

Phillipps ; H. R. Titus, G. B. South wick, J. E. Cummings, W. 
F. Aniidon and E. F. Sibley. It has received additions from time 
to time since then, and now has twenty-six members, and is in a 
flourishing condition. The society has a librar}' of about one hun- 
dred books and pamphlets, and its funds are expended in replen- 
ishing the librar}" almost entirely. There is a great amount of 
talent in this society, and its public entertainments have displayed 
an unusuall}' high order of literary ability. 

DOUGLAS SOCIAL LIBRARY. 

On the Hth of April, 1799, the Douglas Social Library Associ- 
ation was formed, with Rev. Isaac Stone for librarian. The li- 
brary was composed of standard works, of which a full list is not 
now in existence, but it probably contained not more than about 
sixt}' volumes. These comprised a set of Rollin's Ancient History, 
Josephus' Works, Winterbottom's History of America, Robertson's 
Scotland, Edwards' History of the Reformation, Goldsmith's Eng- 
land, Marshall's Life of Washington, and a few others of a like 
nature. The fines imposed for damages done to the books, etc., 
were rigidly enforced. It may be well to note some of these : For 
a leaf turned down, six cents ; for a drop of tallow, or any other 
spot, six cents ; for a tear, or writing that does not deface the read- 
ing, six cents. •' If a member keeps a book out over two ordinary' 
months he shall pay a fine of one cent per day until returned. Any 
person that doth not return the book or books they may have taken 
out, at least four hours before the time of day stated for the annual 
meeting, shall pay a fine of twenty-five cents for such neglect ; and 
if any member shall lend a book out of the comjjan}^ they shall pay 
a fine of fifty cents." These rules, no doubt, account in a measure 
for the fine state of preservation in which the books are found even 
at the present day. On the 10th of April, IHlo, Rev. David Hol- 
man was chosen librarian, but the library was not removed to his 
house till 1825. The books and other property of the Association 
were offered at public sale, and the proceeds were to be divided 
among the members. Not finding a purchaser, the books remained 
for years with Mr. Holman, and all who cared to read them had 
full libertv to do so. 



DOUGLAS BANDS, SOCIETIES, ETC. 135 

UNION LODGE, NO. 88, I. O. OF O. F. 

This Lodge was instituted Marcli 10, 1846, continuing in ex- 
istence till December, 1852. Like other organizations of this or- 
der, its object was the mutual benefit of its members. The sum of 
$0 per week was paid those suffering from sickness or disability. 
In the event of the death of a member $30 was paid as a funeral 
benefit, and $15 on the death of the wife of an}' member. A con- 
tingent fund, formed by contributions, donations, and the interest 
arising from the general fund, all fines collected, and also one-third 
of the quarterly dues, was held by a board of trustees for the wid- 
ows and orphans of deceased members. A widow, so long as she 
remained such, was to receive $25 per year. In the case of the 
orphans or children of deceased members the trustees were to en- 
deavor to place them in situations w^here the}' might earn a liveli- 
hood, and also obtain an education. The Lodge was quite success- 
fully carried on until its disbandment. 

The charter members were : Dr. P^zekiel Wood, Ro3'al Cum- 
mins, Seba Carpenter, George Reynolds, Loren C. Munyan, and 
George Young. In connection with this was formed an Auxiliary 
Lodge, composed only of the wives of Odd Fellows, and called the 
" Daughters of Rebecca." 

HOWARD LODGE, NO. 119, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS, 

was instituted March 23, 1866, with the following hst of officers : 
^y. C. T., William H. Moore ; W. V. T., Sarah F. Abbott ; P. W. 
C. T., Alphonso Luther ; W. S., Julius D. Whipple ; W. T., Emma 
A. Emmons ; W. C, Dea. A. A. White ; W. M., Frank D. Whip- 
ple ; W. D. M., Mrs. Frank D. Whipple; W. I. G., Mary R. 
Williams; W. O. G., Loring A. Thayer: W. R. S.,Mrs. J. D. 
Whipple ; W. L. H. S., Mrs. Emma Converse. 

The design of the Order was to be progressive as well as 
educational, to strive to reclaim the fallen, and to throw the 
right influence over the pure and virtuous, that they might never 
become victims of intemperance. Prohibition was the watchword 
written on its banners and heartily adopted by its members. 

The meetings of this Lodge were for several months held in the 
vestry of the Congregational church in East Douglas. The place 
proving at length not large enough to accommodate its increasing 
membership, a mo.re commodious place was secured in the build- 



136 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

iug at the corner of Cottage and Depot streets. From that time 
the Lodge steadily and rapidly increased, until it reached a mem- 
bership of 116. At its meetings the important questions of the 
day were freely discussed, and good, efficient temperance work 
was done by many of its devoted members. 

On the 5th of March, 1867, a Degree Lodge was formed, in 
which all important matters for discussion or investigation were to 
be considered, by which more time was secured in the subordinate 
lodge for educational and preparatory work, and much time was 
given such literary exercises as were calculated to interest and 
benefit the young. Its spic}- debates on methods of temperance 
work and the general questions of the day will long be cherished 
in the memories of its members. 

The Lodge was discontinued Dec. 3, 1870, after nearly five 
years of active la])or in the temperance field. During that time it 
accompMshed much, although it might have done vastly more had- 
it been favored with the sanction and support of all good friends 
of temperance ; but some among the prominent temperance men 
in town were unfavorable to secrecy in temperance work, and op- 
posed the movement most sincerely but persistently. 

MUMFORD RIVER LODGE, A. F. AND A. M. 

A dispensation for organizing this Lodge was granted Jan. 2o, 
A. D. 1877 (A. L. 5877)' and the charter was granted March 13, 
A. D. 1878 (A. L. 5878). The following were the charter mem- 
bers: A. J. Thayer, W. M. ; Noah H. Jones, S. W. ; John. 
McArthur, Jr., J. W. ; William H. Moore, Luke Keith, S. D. ; 
Marcus M. Luther, Secretary ; Preston Goddard, S. 8. ; J. Fred 
Brown, S. ; Nelson Emmons, Benj. F. Hodgdon, C. ; William 
Abbott, Treasurer ; Edwin P. Heath ; Stillman Russell, J. D. ; John 
Robbins, T. ; WiUiam L. Church, Arthur J. Dudley, Chilon Hough- 
ton, Caleb Hill, Dorris T. Reynolds, Aaron F. Jones ; Brigham 
Morse, Merrill A. Woodard, George B. Adams, John M. Rawson, 
J. S. ; George Cleaveland, M. ; Edward F. Darcy. 

For a short time the communications were held in the Band 
Hall, afterwards in the hall in Thayer's new building, which has 
been leased and fitted up as a permanent Lodge-room. The Lodge 
is in a flourishing condition. 



DOUGLAS BANDS, SOCIETIES, ETC. 137 

THE SOCIAL UNION. 

On the 29th of October, 1875, the " Social Union" (a literaiy 
society) was organized, and meetings were held in Central Hall 
through the winter of 1875-7G. The exercises at its meetings 
consisted of music, dramatic and other readings, dialogiies, dec- 
lamations, etc. The last meeting was held June 8. 1876, and the 
society soon after dissolved. 

THE DOUGLAS LYCEUM. 

Like most New England towns, Douglas has witnessed the 
birth, prosperity, struggles, decline, and death of a local Lyceum. 
The records of the earlier debating societies, if such existed, are 
not preserved, but in the fall of 1872, at the instigation of the 
High School teacher and several active young men, the Douglas 
Lyceum was organized, with the following list of otficers : President, 
A. F. Brown ; Secretaiy, G. W. Spencer ; Treasurer, William H. 
Moore ; Executive Committee, G. F. Stone, G. F. Hutehins and 
Dr. Hamilton. 

A constitution and by-laws had been previously framed and 
adopted, and meetings were regularly held throughout the ensuing 
winter, the exercises consisting of select readings, essa3's, music, 
recitations and debates, with an occasional lecture or entertain- 
ment. The meetings were held in Citizens' Hall. All sorts of 
questions, political, theological, philosophical, simple and pro- 
found, were discussed by the citizens, young and old, with the 
Usual incidents, laughable and provoking ; and the influence of 
the Lyceum, as a whole, while it was sustained by the public, was 
salutary bej^ond question, although the rulings were as contradic- 
tory as they were multitudinous ; and although some personalities, 
such as will almost inevitably be indulged in at a popular gather- 
ing, sometimes occurred, the institution was successfulh- and 
profitably conducted for two 3'ears. Then it lost some of its ablest 
supporters in consequence of their removal from the place ; others 
began to neglect their appointments and also the meetings ; and 
although it existed more than a year in a state of alternate 
revival and decline, its day of prosperit}" was over. 

In the fall of 1875 Citizens' Hall, that had begun to look Hke 
an ancient attic, was repaired and put in decent shape, and also 



138 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

painted and. varnished, and furnished with seats. Owing to 
some personal feelings and prejudices brought to bear the hall 
was refused to the executive committee for Lyceum purposes, its 
managers having decided to let it only for singing-schools and 
lectures, and some few other general objects which could be 
and were made to cover any profitable show, from acrobatic 
turnings to a peace jubilee. The Lyceum could not very well 
resolve itself into a society for the promotion of psalmody, and, 
disdaining anj^ but open and honest measures, a public meeting 
was called at the old Methodist church, for the purpose either of 
sustaining the Lyceum and pro\iding it accommodations or of 
giving it a decent burial. The meeting was a large one, and 
filled the church to overflowing. A. F. Brown, Esq., presided. 
Music and literary exercises were given, and speeches were made 
concerning the managers of the hall, and in favor of sustaining the 
L^'ceum. The meeting showed plainly, however, that the days of 
the institution were numbered ; and after appointing a committee, 
whose functions practically were those of the bearers at a funeral, 
nothing further was or has been done for its revival. 

EAST DjOUGLAS DISTRICT, 

Many of the leading and public-spirited citizens of the village 
for a long time were desirous of introducing certain improvements 
of a local character, such as sidewalks, street lamps, etc., for 
which it seemed a little hard to assess those outsiders who could 
be expected to reap but little practical benefit from them. The 
interest in these matters finally reached such a point that on the 
evening of Nov. 30, 1874, about seventy-five legal voters, residing 
within the limits of the village, assembled in Citizens' Hall and 
accepted a vote which had been passed by the town authorizing 
the organization of a Village District. The authority thus con- 
vej'ed empowered them to maintain street lamps, build sidewalks, 
employ watchmen, organize and support a fire department, and 
various other things contributing additional convenience and 
security to the citizens as well as to the outward prosperit}- of the 
village. On the 18th of the following month, acting under these 
provisions, the first street lamp was erected by AVilliam H. Moore 
and E. T. Tha^'er. Others speedil}- followed, and since that time 



DOQGLAS BANDS, SOCIETIES, ETC. 139 

the number has increased to twenty-- nine, so that the village is now 
well lighted. The plan has worked suceessfnll}" thus far. and 
man}' and marked advantages will undoubtedly result. 

EAST DOUGLAS 5IUSI0AL SOCIETY. 

The Musical Society of Douglas, which has been in existence 
now for nearly ten years, has done much to develop and edu- 
cate the musical talent of the town. On the 15th of March, 1868, 
a permanent organization was etfected, the following officers being 
chosen : President, AViUiam Hunt ; Secretar}-, G. W. Spencer ; 
Treasurer, Stillman Russell ; Musical Director, John C. "Waters ; 
Pianist, Miss H. A. Hutchius ; Directors. A. liutler, A. M. Mill, 
and Edwin Moore. 

The first rehearsal took place under the direction of Mr. J. 
Astor Broad, now of Worcester, and on the 18th of March of this 
3'ear the society gave a concert in the Congregational church in 
East Douglas, in which they rendered Haydn's '' Creation." 
Subsequentl}- they repeated the concert in Putnam and Webster. 
Aside from the large amount of miscellaneous music (much of it 
being of a high order) with which the society has become familiar 
since its organization, they have performed Root's " Haymakers" 
for two seasons in Douglas and Upton, and also Broad's Cantatas of 
'* Ruth" and " Joseph," the former publicly rendered in Douglas 
and Slatersville, the latter in Douglas alone. 

The society was fully represented at both the Peace Jubilees in 
Boston, sending fort}' members to the second, and devoting a whole 
season to preparation for it. 

Since its organization the membership has varied from forty-five 
to sixty. It has been the dual object of the oflBcers of the society 
to introduce and develop a taste for the higher kinds of sacred and 
other music, much time having been devoted to oratorios, and to 
encourage the development of the musical talent of the young- 
people of the village. In both directions their success has been 
marked and highly commendalile, meriting the public approbation 
that has always attended their efforts. 

DOUGLAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

For about fort}- years the association known as the Douglas 
AgTicultural Libraiy has had quite a flourishing history. It was 



140 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

the only library in the eastern portion of the town, and was com- 
posed of aliout one hundred volumes of strictly agricultural works ; 
but after a while, to supply the demand for a more general course 
of reading, other books of a miscellaneous character were added. 
The library retained its original name and organization until April 
10, 1865, when its proprietors met and organized themselves into 
a corporation, under the name of the '' Douglas Library Associa- 
tion." Since that time the number of books has been increased to 
, 500 volumes. The library was removed to G. W. Spencer's room 
in the post-office building, afterwards to the office of the Douglas 
Axe Co., and in September, 1878, to the present location in 
Thayer's Block on Main street, a central location, easy of access, 
and well patronized by the reading public. 

UNION TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. 

At a public meeting of the citizens, held May 1.3, 1874, the 
draft of a constitution, together with a list of officers, was pre- 
sented by a conmiittee previously appointed for the purpose of 
aiding to organize a "Union Temperance Society." The com- 
mittee consisted of Rev. William T. Briggs, Rev. W. M. Hub- 
bard and A. J. Thayer. The report of this committee, including 
a pledge, was accepted, and a list of officers was chosen as follows : 
President, Edwin Moore ; Secretaiy, C. A. Hunt ; Treasurer, 
Walter E. Cook ; Councilors, Dea. A. Butler, A. F. Brown, J. C. 
Hammond, A. J. Tha3'er, W. D. Jones, Luther Wing, Mrs. Ezra 
Jones, Mrs. William T. Briggs, Mrs. S. Kelley, Royal Keith, 
Luther Hill, and Miss Nancy Hammond. 

The constitution provided for an annual meeting, to l>e held on 
Fast Day of each year, the officers having the authority to call 
special meetings whenever it was thought desirable. 

In April, 1877, it was voted that the society hold its regular 
meetings on the last Sabbath of each month, alteruatel}- at the 
two churches (Methodist and Congregational) in East Douglas, and 
at this meeting A. J. Thayer was chosen president. Through the 
earnest efforts of the president the meetings soon assumed unusual 
interest as well as profit. They were well sustained, also, and did 
much to aid the cause of temperance in the community. 

During that year the Reform Club movement had been making 
great progress throughout the State, and its influence was felt in our 



DOUGLAS BANDS, SOCIETIES, ETC. 141 

own community'. Several of the active temperance men in town 
w^ho had lately reformed felt that there ought to be a society or- 
ganized with especial reference to this new phase of temperance 
work, under the auspices of men who had once been addicted to 
the use of intoxicating liquor, and the organization of a Reform 
Club was proposed. As it did not appear practicable to attempt 
to sustain two societies, the former society, although in a flourish- 
ing condition and doing a good work, w^as discontinued, and its 
officers and members united in helping to organize and sustain the 
Reform Club. 

THE EAST DOUGLAS REFORM OLUH 

was organized May 1, 1878. with the following officers: Presi- 
dent, Leonard C. Belding ; Alce-Presideuts. W. II. Jones, W. D. 
Jones, and Timothy Bernard ; Secretary, C. A. Hunt ; Treasurer. 
A. F. Jones ; Chaplain. Fielder Converse ; Executive Committee. 
E. Moore, A. F. Brown, C. A. Whipple. Charles Fairtield, and H. 
C. Metcalf. 

The club is at the present time (1878) in a prosperous condi- 
tion, with a good prospect of future usefulness before it. Its pres- 
ident is an earnest and efficient officer. He is not only a reformed 
man, but he is also an advocate of gospel temperance as the only 
true basis of reform. The meetings are held monthly, and are 
well sustained. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 



DOCTOR WILLIAM DOUGLAS. 




UoCTOR WlLLFAM DoLOLAS. aftCl* 

whom the town was named, Avas 
born and edncated in Gift'ord Hall, 
East Lothian. Scotland, receiving a 
[)art of his education in Paris also. 
He came to America while quite 
young, establishing himself in Boston 
as a pl^ysician in 171<S. He is said 
U) liave been " a man of great learn- 
ing, but l)igoted in his opinions, and 
ceremonious in his treatment of those 

who dittered from him. Although 

defeated, he could argue still ; and although he discovered his 
errors, he w-ould not readily acknowledge them. To none of them 
did he adhere with a perseverance so unfortunate for his reputation 
as in denying the propriet}- and eftlcacy of inoculation, which he 
vehemently opposed." 

The Boston Eveniiuj Post, of October 23d, 1752, in announcing 
his death, speaks of him as '• a physician of the first character in 
this town," and adds the following tribute to his mental qualities : 
''His superior knowdedge in the different branches of literature, 
especiall}^ those which related more immediately to his profession, 
rendered him eminently useful to the public, and has given him a 
distinguished name in the learned world." Among the works 
published by him are the following: "A Summary, Historical 
and Political, of the First Planting. Progressive Improvements, 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 143 

and Present State of the British Settlements in North America ; " 
three essays on the snbject of '' Inoculation for the Small-pox " — 
the first two in 1722, and the last in 1730; and a " History- of 
a New Eruptive MiUtary Fever," which prevailed in Boston in 
1735 and 1736. The first volume of his " Summary" was pub- 
lished in 1739; the second in 1753, the 3'ear subsequent to his 
death, which occurred Oct. 21, 1752. It was republished in Lon- 
don in 1755, and is said to have •* comprehended a vast variety 
of information on ahnost every subject, but had little of the method 
of a history." 

Dr. Douglas was '-an attentive observer," writes one of the 
chroniclers of his day, '• and not less careful to treasure up the 
knowledge he acquired, though he is frequently inaccurate. He 
was liberal in his religious opinions, though he esteemed Whitefield 
no better than a vagrant, and considered the revivals of religion 
which occurred in New England as mischievous in tendency. He 
indulged in a more laudable zeal against, and contempt for, the 
paper money emissions of the Americans, in his strictures upon 
the government." 

Among other collections which he made in natural history-, it is 
mentioned that *' one of them contained eleven liundred species of 
plants indigenous to America. Ho communicated to Dr. Mather 
a volume of the Philosophical Transactions, containing an account 
of the practice of inoculation at Constantinople, which led to the 
use of it at Boston in 1721." He also published an almanac in 
1744, under the name of "• Mercurius Novanglicanus ; " and of 
him Dr. Eliot sa3's, ''he wrote many political essay's in the news- 
papers, which were generally filled with satirical remarks upon 
the magistrates, the clergy, the physicians and the people of 
New England." 

The following very detailed circumstances attending his death 
and funeral may serve to give something like a fair impression of 
his social standing in the community at the time of his death, and 
also of the funeral customs prevailing a century' and a quarter 
since. Thej' are taken from a letter" written by James Gordon, 
Esq., an intimate friend of Dr. Douglas, to Lieutenant Martin, to 
be communicated by him to the Doctor's relatives in England on 
his (Martin's) arrival in that country : 

'' About 1 o'clock in the morning (Oct. 21, 1752) he was sud- 



144 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

denly taken Avith a lit of asthma, thereby sufFocated, and was 
gone before any physician conld be called to him, or an}- of his 
friends or intimates at the house where his boy he called his 
adopted son lived, kei)t with his mother. Upon the full hearing 
of this, John Ewiug, Esq.. Mr John Motfat, and I met. as being 
his most intimate acquaintances, and early that morning applied 
to the judge of probate, who granted us administration to take the 
keys of his rooms, etc., and open his desk, etc., and search for a 
will, which we did in presence of a notary public, the mother of 
his adopted son, and some creditable persons, but we could find none. 

" There was found that morning in his desk a kind of deed, or 
gift, executed b}- him (about the time Admiral Knowles commenced 
suit against the Doctor, and caused attachments to be laid on all 
his real estate) in favor of his said adopted son, called William 
Douglas, of all the furniture, books, papers and writings, with his 
negro man Abba, which paper, or deed, is in the custody of the 
child's mother, called Mary Brown. 

" After search being made, and finding no will, we ordered a 
cotlin to be made for the corpse, and to be removed to his own 
mansion house, where lie usuallv lodoed, the eveniuo- followino;, 
which was Saturda}- ; and on Sunday we got the corpse emboAveled, 
as it was represented that it would not keep till such time as was 
necessary to prepare for the decent interment thereof, during which 
time we prepared a suit of mourning for his adopted son, escutch- 
eons for his coffin, and hatchments to be affixed to his mansion 
house, and appointed pall-bearers, viz. : The Hon. Wm. Dammer, 
Esq.. late Lieutenant-Governor ; the Hon. Col. Paul Mascareine, 
Esq. ; the Hon. Josiah Willard, Esq., Secretary- to the ProA^nce ; 

Thomas Leechmer, Surveyor-General ; Eairweather, Esq. , 

and Mr. James Smith, whom, together with the present Lieutenant- 
Governor Phipps, and the Rev. Messrs. Welsted, Gray and 
Hooper, with us three and the adopted son, had gloves, rings and 
escutcheons ; and his negro was put in mourning, as usual ; and as 
the family where he died, viz., the child's mother, grandmother and 
two sisters, insisted on it, it is proposed to give each of them a suit 
of mourning and rings, which we were obliged to promise on condi- 
tion the family would not appear in the funeral procession as chief 
mourners or relations, which the}' pretended a right to, and might 
revive and bring scandal, or obstruct the procession in such an 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 145 

lioiiorable method as we intended, so that only the child and one 
of his aunts, in quality of waiting maid on one hand, and the 
negro on the other, wallced first after the corpse ; next our three 
families, with his chief intimates and acquaintances, to the number 
of about fifteen families, as mourners ; next the practitioners in 
ph3'sic in the town, with their wives, who had all kid gloves ; then 
all his tenants, with their wives and children, had each gloves ; and 
after followed promiscuously a large number of people of note and 
distinction, by whom he was respected, the chief of whom were dis- 
tinguished b}' having gloves sent to them. 

*■' In the decentest manner he was followed by the above, to- 
gether with a numerous attendance of chariots, coaches, etc., from 
his mansion house to the burying ground of King's Chapel, where 
he was interred in a brick tomb belonging to one Mr. Isaie Dec"'', 
an intimate friend of his. 80 far as we have proceeded, and at all 
convenient opportunities we are in search of a will, but can find 
none as 3-et among his papers, nor can we hear or find of any left 
in the hands of his acquaintances, tho' in his lifetime he constant!}' 
averred that he was never without a will, and seemed to reflect on 
the imprudence of those that neglected it ; and yet we cannot so 
much as find out any one person that can say the}' were witnesses 
to any will made b}- the Doctor. When we come to take an inven- 
tory of his papers, etc., we shall make a more diligent search. 

"As I am not acquainted with the relations of my dear deceased 
friend, I give 3'ou this account that you ma}- inquire for them, and 
acquaint them of the circumstances relating to the affairs of the 
Doctor and what we have alread}' done. And as you are well 
acquainted with all these our proceedings, and other circumstances 
relating to the affairs of the deceased, you will oblige us and the 
Doctor's friends in communicating them to the nearest relatives, 
that proper care may be taken in regard to the estate for their 
interest if no will is found. And you may assure them, on account 
of the great affection and esteem I always had for the deceased 
Doctor, my dear friend, I shall do everything in mj- })0wer to serve 
his heirs or their representatives. 

" I am, dear Martin, 

Your most aflfectionate 
(Signed) James Gordon." 

10 



146 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

This writer gives the valuation ol' the Doetor's estate at the 
time of his death, iiichiding his propert}' in Boston and in Hampsliire 
and Worcester counties, with his books, manuscripts and pamplilets, 
and his negro man Abba, at £2,932. Hon. John Ewing was 
appointed administrator, succeeded by CorneUus Doughis of Edin- 
burgh, nepliew of the Doctor, in 1753. 

His funeral charges included three dozen men's and two dozen 
women's white lamb gloves, at £5 10s. ; eleven dozen gloves "• for 
funeral," at £20 6s. ; mourning for Mrs. Orange's two daughters, 
£47 16s. 6d. The negro man ran away, and for " taking him up" 
the charge was 10s. 8d. 

In the introduction to the second volume of his " Summary, 
Historical and Political," the author has the following pointed 
l)aragraph referring to some legal trouble in which he had been 
involved : 

"■ The writer of this historical summary does not atfect a studied 
elegancy. This is a plain narrative of incoutestible facts, deliv- 
ered with freedom — a collection or commonplace of man}- years' 
observations, designed at first only for the writer's private amuse- 
ment or remembrance. But at the desire of some friends it is pub- 
lished for the benefit of the public and for the use of future histo- 
rians. iJevs )iobis liaec otia fecit. As the writer is independent. 
Ijeing in no public office, nor ringleader of any party or faction, 
what he writes may be deemed impartial. If facts related in truth 
offend any magistrate, governor, commodore, or other great officer, 
he will not renounce impartialit}^ and become cycophant." 

In the purchase of the tract of land bounded on the Mendon 
Sherborn (xrants, in 1723, he was associated with Habijah Savage. 
Esq., John Binning (merchant), Wilham Tyler Brazier, Tyler 
Cxoldsmith and Benjamin Brouldson. The tract was divided into 
six parts on the 20th day of September, 1727. 

Doctor Douglas prepared ''A Plan of the Four Governments 
of New England, Showing the Townships in Each," from actual 
survey. It was published in London. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTiMENT. 147 

COLONEL EZEKIEL PRESTON. 

Colonel Preston was an honest, straightforward man, of genuine 
business ability. He was square in all his dealings, and was pos- 
sessed also of nuich executive talent, together with nian}' singu- 
larly eccentric traits. Strictly honest himself, he admired and 
encouraged it in others. His likes and dislikes were exceedingly- 
marked, prompt!}' conceived, and as openly expressed. In his 
grist-mill, and indeed in every place where he had control or su- 
pervision, the influence of his strong and pronounced opinions was 
felt. He would not allow his workmen to "even" a measure of 
grain with their hands, but only with a " straight-edge." His 
motto, often expressed, was, " I would rather grind a grist toll 
free than take a kernel too much." 

His accounts were kept in an open, plain hand, " debt" and 
" credit" with every man ; and in making his charges and settling 
his accounts he used the utmost freedom in recording on his books 
his opinion touching the person with whom he was dealing, whether 
from casual acquaintance or based on longer observation. He 
always enjo3'ed a good joke, however, even when it was at his own 
expense. Generous and open-hearted, he was always ready to 
respond to the appeals of the need}' or to reward the honest. 
When he left home for the Western journey detailed below, he 
settled his atfiairs with every man with whom he had an account, 
excej^t one, for reasons best known to the parties interested. 

He left quite full records of the views and feelings which his 
long-cherished habits of observation had begotten, and we feel 
that we can in no way so well bring out what sort of a man he was 
as to let him appear before the reader in the garb of his own writ- 
ings. The first extract we give is from the very full journal of his 
experience as a traveler, having left his home for Columbus, Ind. : 

May 7, 1827, 2 o'clock p. ii. — "■ 1 now take the stage at my 
own door, to go to Columbus, count}- of Bartholomew, State of 
Indiana. . . . Went that night to Clark's stage tavern in 
Ashford, Conn." He reached Hartford the next day, whence he 
started for Albany, riding all night with ' some good company — 
some awful poor,' but got along very Avell, iutirely contented." 

At "Albana" (as he spells Albany, N. Y.), live days on his 
journey, he writes that he " enters a cannal-boat — what they call 



148 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

a " Marchaut Pilot Line," at one and one-half cents a mile. 
Board me at nineteen per meal." 

At Auburn, N. Y., besides visiting the State prison, he "went 
with Deacon Boll to seethe theological seminary, where they make 
ministers ! The}' had sixtj'-five of them on hand, part done, who 
looked and talked ver}' well, and appeared to l^e worth}' carrictors ; 
and no doubt they were !" 

Ma}' 17. — " Went to jail in Canandagua, where William Mor- 
gan was confined. Went all over the jail — to the room where M. 
was in. Went up chamber, and spent about :in hour with Lawton 
and Cheesbro, Royal Arch Masons, confined in jail by sentence of 
the court — Lawton two 3'ears, and Cheesbro one year. Found 
all Masons I conversed with spoke well of those two in prison. 
Found the people in that place have different opinions respecting 
where Morgan is gone to. . . . They say he was a dissipated 
fellow." 

The following shows a reUsh for a good joke, always one of his 
characteristics : 

May 22. (Near Buffalo, N. Y.)—" Went to Timothy Whit- 
ing's, and found him in the field. He didn't know me. I made a 
prisoner of him. He asked me what it was for. I told him for 
helping others kidnap Morgan. He declared he was innocent — 
Avanted to get counsel. . . . Went home in order to go to 
Buffalo. I told him who I was, and gave him his liberty, and 
stayed with him that night. I think Tim is doing ver}' well." 

May 30. (In Pittsburg.) — . . . "In fact, they appear to 
uie a making nearh^ ever^'thing in their Avorks go by steam, from 
tire made by coal dug out of the ground clost by, and sold to them 
all over the cit}' for two and one-half cents per bushel ; and they 
say that one bushel of that is worth two of coal made of wood. 
Most of the i)eople use it for all their fires." 

June 4. — " Started on a steamboat down the Ohio for Cincin- 
nati. She run nine miles in one hour — struck a rock, broke in 
and sunk. They stuck in their old clothes as well as they con Id, 
punipt and dipt water, but to no purpose. . . . Continued on 
deck fortA'-seven hours before even a keel-boat or anything suit- 
able came down the river that I could go forward on my route." 

June 10 (Sunda}-). — "In WheeUng, O., went, to a very good 
Methodist meeting, and Avent to an evening meeting. I reconciled 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 149 

myself remarkably well." The next day he sti,ys, " One place on 
the (river) bank they bile water into salt. They git it ont of a 
hole, they say, bored in the ground 500 feet. 

June 13. — "Now I say I was wide awake. The steamboat 
started at 9 in the morning, and glad was I, for I had lost 11 days 
by unavoidable disappointments. . . . Got to Merryetta 7 in 
the evening. The boat stopped, so dark and foggy, till morning. 
Slept pretty well all night on the floor by putting a straw each side 
of my hip bones." The second day after this he says the boat 
" went into the hue of C'ontuckey at 8 o'clock, it being on our left, 
Ohio on our right." 

He completes his journey June 21, in forty-five days' time, 1,363 
miles, at a cost of $32.27. In a letter to Mrs. Preston he expresses 
himself much pleased with the country and people — found the 
society there far better than he had any idea of, and said if he was 
not more than forty years old he would sell his mills and move out 
there. He often said if he could have one acre of such land as he 
found there in Massachusetts on his farm he would give $500 for it. 

His book accounts reveal perhaps still more strongly his pecuU- 
arities, and we permit a few of these also to speak for themselves. 
The first is as follows : 

" Dr. Society of Mr. Holman's in Douglas, Cr. 

Paid, in 1816, a town tax of $326.34. In 1817, $320.59. 

A correct statement of incorrect doings in Mr. Holman's Relig- 
ious Society in Douglas. I find, under No. 1 (there follows liere 
quite a tabulated statement, which explains his allusions to " No. 1,'' 
&c.), names of people who were taxed for preaching. Under No. 2 
for 1816 ; under No. 3 for 1817 ; under No. 4 either gain or lost ; 
under No. 5 for what sum. At the very time Ezekiel Preston's 
poverty was increasing equal to the unreasonable tax put on him 
at that time, by reason of the destruction of cotton factories 
wherein he was greatly interested, . . . E. Preston was con- 
stantly informing the society that he was overtaxed in proportion 
to property, and begged of the assessors to deal honestly with him, 
and he would continue to be a good fellow in the society, and if 
not he should quit them ; for Preston asked Deacon Balcome why 
he raised his tax and lowered other people's, and Balcome's answer 
was that he supposed that it was all done by reason of the fractions 



150 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

ill easting ; and tliis was all the information I conld git ont of him. 

David D was the other assessor, and I never considered worth 

while to ask hhn about it any more tlian I slionld whj' water runs 
down hill." 

At the liottom of an entrj- in his ledger frequently occurs his 
opinion of the man whose name he records. Thus, in July, 1824, 

he closes his account with Old P : ' ' Never to be trusted by 

me, for he is an awful lier !" '' A poor old fellow !" 

Miss Hannah Thayer fares better at his hands, for after charg- 
ing her with money paid to her at sundry times, he adds, "You 
came to live in my famil}- — stayed 6 weeks — a good girl, too." 

Not so, however, with another, whose account current ends with 
'•'■ you came at night, July 2d or od. Your time is all out, for you 
are a good, smart girl, but at the same time you are not worth 
keeping, and T would not give you your lionrd for all your unstead}' 
work."" 

The next one has this for her " character : " " You came to live 
in my family Dec. 29. Left off after working 7 weeks, at $1 per 
week. All settled. This moderate child did not earn what she 
had, and I don't want her any longer !" 

At the close of one entr}^ an account running eleven 3ears is 
closed with, " very well, he settled like an honest man, I found," 
leaving ground for inferring that he had formerly distrusted him. 

" All is dead, all is lost," finishes another account. 

Speaking of the diflBculties before an executor in settling an es- 
tate with several heirs, he writes, " it is impossible for him to give 
any satisfaction to the heirs, for the^' want that which is as desti- 
tute of honesty as the devil is of holiness. April 10, 1(S2-. I do 
absolutely write the above on principles of honesty, knowing their 

motives and doings a great while." 

EzEKiEL Preston. 

Before he started on his journey to Columlius he emplo3'ed 
Lois and Fannie Southward to make him a suit of clothes, and, 
after enumerating the various garments made up, such as " a good 
woolen coat," a " pare do. pantaloons," adding this item about 
their making, "• good wooling and cutting all," he says, " I con- 
sider that any person who is a calculating on saving his propert}', 
and not too full of foolish pride, will git their clothes all cut and 
made by these very 3'oung women sewers. Young men who fail of 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 151 

this are apt to have to liorrow money to pay men-tailors' large bills 
for their folly ; and that is the way fools are always poor !" A good 
card for those g-irls, whatever it mav have been for the young men 
of that day. 

An account with another man, which has written at the bottom 
" all settled for always," is supplemented with this stinging nofa 
bene: ■' Nothing good in trading with a mnn who has been a pren- 
tice in the State's Prison !" 

Here is frankness for you, in earnest: "I have paid Z 

, for spinning the mule yai-ns, and I do really think he has ali- 

solutely wasted in weaving of it half a ton of cops, which were tan- 
gled : average No. 12, worth 84c., $940.80. At that time it was 
worth half price, as above, in cash — $470.40. And I am thank- 
ful lie did not waste it all, for that would have been a little worse 
vet. Sy He don't waste his own yarn so. I question who is to 
be trusted." 

.John N. W is posted thus : ^' Due me on lialance, 35c., 

Oct. 8, 182.5. This evening yon was drowned — Oct. 8, 1825. 

Settled." 

E C is credited " by discount in full, 1.84. E 

is a very honest fellow, but he is not to blame for that. He 

would'nt be if he could help it !" 

After having recorded, "• settled all accounts between us, and 
made even, fully to our satisfaction — Amen" (a frequently occur- 
ring finahty in his ledger) , after both signatures he appends this : 
''He is a mean man. No more trade with you!" This seems 
hardly fair, in view of the explicit assertion, just before, of fiill 
satisfaction to both parties, and modifies not a little the force of 
the animadversions in which he indulges so profusely. 

P T is both " Dr." and " Cr.," but no items given. 

Then this is appended : "All settled for always." 

This singular man Iniilt a tomb in the Douglas Center burying 
ground, the top or roof of which convsisted of a single granite slab. 
It was taken from a ledge in Uxbridge, and was so heavy that 
twenty-five pairs of oxen were required in hauling it to its destina- 
tion. 

Colonel P. was always very much interested in military displays. 
it is related that a general muster took place in Uxbridge on a cer- 
tain occasion, of which he took the principal direction, and, accord- 



152 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

ing to the testimony of some witnesses now living, it came near being 
a very grave affair. Early in the morning of the appointed day a 
company of Indians (white men, in full Indian costume and fully 
armed) were drawn up in line before the Preston Mill, at the Lower 
Village, for inspection, and also to be instructed in the part they 
were to take in the rare proceedings of the day. After passing a 
bucket of " black strap " along the line, of which the men partook 
quite freel}', they were marched by the old pike to the scene of action, 
and took their stand in a thick belt of woods on the hill overlooking 
the spring tavern and the adjoining fields, where the militar}' were 
going through their maneuvers. At a given signal the Indians 
made a sudden attack upon the militia, swooping down upon them 
with violent gesticulations and contortions of the bodj', accompa- 
nied with screams and yells in imitation of the Indian war-whoop, 
giving the whole scene the appearance of a terrible reality rather 
than a farce, especially to many if not all of those who were unfor- 
tunately in the ranks of the militia. All parties were soon engaged 
in a hand-to-hand combat, and in the very midst of the heat and 
excitement of the struggle a bucket of red paint was dextrously 
poured over the Colonel's white charger. Soon the rumor that 
" his horse had been shot" passed from one to another through the 
now thoroughl}' excited crowd of spectators, and the whole scene 
became one of the wildest imaginable, — but little short of what 
would have ensued had it been indeed a repetition of what has 
often in New England histor}' proved a fearful reality. 

Whether in the warlike group of Indians there were some who 
had old grudges to avenge, or whether the generous potations of 
fire-water had made the men quite uncontrollable in their frenzy, 
is not known ; but it is well known that it required the most active 
exertions of the officers to prevent the att'air from taking on a most 
sanguinary character. Colonel Preston enjo^-ed the scene to the 
fullest possible extent, under the circumstances, and had the pleas- 
ure at its close of footing the bill of expenses, depleting his pocket- 
book to the extent of $400 at least. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 153 

GENEAIiOGY OF THE HILL FAMILY. 

A MR. JOHN HILL, blacksmith hy trade, was one of the 
early settlers of Plymouth Colony, for in the year 1632 he was 
named among those to whom Governor Bradford otfered to give 
a dismission. He was in Dorchester in 1633, became a member of 
the Boston Artillery Company, and died in the 3'ear 1664. His 
wife's name was Frances. 

CHILDREN. 

1. John Hill 2d. 

2. Frances, m. Austin. 

3. Jona. 

4. Mary, m. Thomas Breck. 

5. Samuel, b. 1640. 

6. Hannah, b. 1641 ; m. Fisher. 

7. Mercy, b. 1642. 

8. Ebenezer. 

JOHN HILL 2d. His wife's name was Hannah. . 

CHILDREN. 

1. Samuel. 

2. Abagail, b. Feb. 2, 1658 ; m. James Adams. 

3. John, b. Feb. 2. 1661. 

4. Maria, b. Oct. 28, 1662. 

5. Eleazer, b. June 29, i^64. 

6. Ebenezer. z*'' 

SAMUEL HILL, son of John Hill, 2d and 3d generation, mar- 
ried Hannah Twitchell Nov. 4, 1679. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Samuel, b. Nov. 18, 1680; d. Dec. 30, 1680. 

2. Samuel, b. March 29, 1682. 

3. Sarah, b. March 7, 1684. 

4. 'Ephraim, b. Nov. 5, 1688. The first settler of Douglas. 

5. Jona, b. Nov. 6, 1691. 

6. Maria, b. July 15, 1696. 

7. Hannah, b. — . 

8. Dorothy, b. July 18, 1698. 

9. Lydia, b. May 3, 1701. 
10. Rachel, b. Dec. 12, 1703. 



154 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

JOHN HILL, son of John Hill, 2d and 3d generation, married 
Hannah Rocket. 

OHILDEEN. 

1. John. 

2. Aaron. 

8. Hannah, b. Ang. 9, 1702 ; m. William Mann. 

4. Sarah, b. Nov. 11, 1705 ; m. Morse. 

5. Samuel, b. Aug. 11, 1710. 

G. .Tames, b. March 3, 1712 ; d. May 11, 1729. 

ELEAZER HILL, son of John Hill, 2d and 3d generation, 
married Sarah. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Eleazcr, ph3'sician. b. Jan. 1, 1688 ; drew 53 acres of land 

in Douglas. 

2. Sarah, b. Nov. 30, 1690. 

3. Solomon, b. Dec. 27, 1691 ; drew 33 acres of land in Doug- 

las. 

EBENEZER HILL, son of John Hill, 2d and 3d generation, 
married first Mary, and after her death Sarah. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Ebenezer, b. March 2. 1692; drew lands in Douglas as 

Ebenezer, Jr. - ' "V^ 

2. Nathaniel, b. Dec. 2571693; drew lands in Douglas ; ^. 

March 10, 1774. 

3. David, b. June 15. 1695 ; drew lands in Douglas in the 

year 1730. 

4. Moses, b. March 30, 1699 ; drew lands in Douglas by 2d 

wife. 

5. Joseph, b. April 1, 1701. 

6. Isaac, b. Feb. 28, 1704. 

7. Lydia, b. Nov. 30, 1706. 

8. Judith, b. June 3, 1710. 

EPHRAIM HILL, son of Samuel Hill and his wife Hannah 
TwiTCHELL, and the 4th generation, married Hannah Sheffield 
June 15, 1715. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 155 



CHir.DREN. 

1. Caleb, b. May 23, 1710 ; m. Hannah 

2. Elizabeth, b. June 10, 1719. 
8. Hannah, Foh. 4, 1725. 



Deaths of Ephraini's children, and tlieir wives' or husbands' 
deaths : 

1. Caleb Hill d. March 2o, 17.S8 ; Hannah Hill d. Feb. 17, 

1764. 

2. Elizabeth, d. — . 

3. Hannah, d. — . 

During the time that elapsed between the settlement of Capt. 
Ephraim Hill in New Sherborn, in 1721, and the incorporation of 
the town of Douglas, in 174(i, there are not found anj' public or 
private genealogical records ; but I find in the records of Douglas, 
after its incorporation, much evidence confinniug the belief that 
Ephraim Hill had a number of sons besides Caleb. Ephraim Hill, 
Jr., JobJIiU, Da\'id Hill and Daniel Hill were his coevals. In 
''the history of the town of Sherborn Ephraim Hill is recorded as 
the first settled inhabitant in Douglas. The truth of the assertion, 
" Ephraim Hill was the first settler of Douglas," is demonstrated 
by the records of ' ' the Pro[)rietors " of a grant of land to the 
town of Sherborn b^' the General Court of Massachusetts Bay, 
which will be found under the extracts in the early chapters of 
this volume from the records of Sherborn. 

Capt. Ephraim Hill filled many offices of trust in the town, and 
died April 18th, 17G0, at the age of 72 years, and his widow Han- 
nah Hill died in the year 1 783. aged 92 years. Their last residence 
was in a small house a few rods north of the house in which 
Ephraim's great-great-grandson Caleb now resides. 

CALEB HILL, oth generation, sou of Ephraim and Hannah 
his wife, married Hannah . 

CHILDREN. 

Bethiah Hill, b. March 31, 1742. 

James Hill, b. Sept. 22, 1744 ; m. Dorothy Learned. 

Caleb Hill, Jr., b. Oct. 5, 1746 ; m. Elizabeth Whitney. 

Aaron Hill, b. Aug. 30, 1750. 

Amos Hill, b. Nov. 11, 1752. 



156 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS, 

Moses Hill, b. Aug. 17, 1757 ; m. Dinah Robinson, b. March 

30, 1759. 
Abagail Hill, b. Aug. 14, 1759. 
Azubah Hill, b. Aug. 29, 1761. 

Date of death of Caleb Hill's children, also of husbands' or 
wives' deaths : 

Bethiah Hill, d. — . 

James Hill, d. — ; Dorothy Hill, d. — . 

Caleb Hill, Jr., d. — ; Elizabeth Hill, d. — . 

Aaron Hill, d. March 24, 1818. 

Amos Hill, d. Oct. 22, 1756. 

Moses Hill, d. Sept. 1, 1800 : m. Dinah Hill, d. Aug. 16, 1851. 

Abagail Hill, d. — . 

Azubah Hill, d. — . 

Capt. Caleb Hill was one of the leading men in the manage- 
ment of town business, conscientious in his intercourse \\4th his 
fellow men, and a consistent member of the Congregational 
Church, occupying the office of deacon for thirty years. He was 
an innholder from his earl}' days, and built and occupied the 
house as a hotel where his -great-grandson Caleb Hill resides at 
the present time. 

LIEUT. MOSES HILL, 6th generation, was the son of 
Capt. Caleb Hill and his wife Hannah. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Azubah Hill, b. May 20, 1781 ; m. Benjamin Craggin, b. 

March, 1772. 

2. Caleb Hill, b. Oct. 30, 1783 ; m. Lydia Marsh, b. March 

21, 1788. 

3. Lucinda Hill, b. Oct. 2, 1785 ; m. Silas Cummings, b. 

, 1783. 

4. Micah Hill, b. Sept. 27, 1787 ; m. Sally Marsh, b. Feb. 

13, 1792. 

5. Submit Hill, b. March 3, 1790 ; m. John Dudley, b. Sep- 

tember 1790, 

6. James Hill, b. Oct. 26, 1792 ; m. Sally H. Burden, b. May 

7, 1796. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 157 

7. Benjamin C. Hill, b. Aug. 15, 1794 ; m. Doroth}' Dudley, 

b. March 29, 1801. 

8. Paris Hill, b. Sept. 8, 1796 ; m. Sarah Chapin, b. Jan. 21, 

1806. 

Date of deaths of Lieut. Moses Hill's issue, and to whom mar- 
ried : 

1. Azubah, d. Ma}" 12, 1837; Benjamin Craggin, d. Nov. 4, 

1851. 

2. Caleb, d. May 28, 1851 ; Lydia Hill, d. Jan. 13, 1875. 

3. Lucinda, d. Dec. 1, 1862 ; Silas Cummings, d. May 18, 

1847. 

4. Micah, d. June 20, 1836 ; Sally Hill (living). 

5. Submit, d. Aug. 13, 1864 ; John Dudley, d. April 29, 1877. 

6. James, d. April 17, 1872 ; Sally H. Hill, d. May 8, 1849. 

7. Benjamin C, d. Feb. 23, 1851T^Dorothy Dudley, d. — . 

8. Paris, d. March 2, 1877 ; Sarah Hill, d. — . 

MICAH HILL, 7tli generation, sou of Lieutenant Moses and 
his wife Dinah, married Sally Marsh in the year 1809. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Moses Hill, b. March 17, 1810 ; m. Charlotte Taft Blush, 

b. May 14. 1809. 

2. Aaron Marsh Hill, b. Sept. 4, 1812 ; m. Loiezer Lydia Em- 

erson, b. Feb. 28, 1819. 

3. Wilham Robinson Hill, b. Feb. 10, 1815 : m. Emely B. 

Wheelock, b. July 21, 1816. 

4. Micah Hill, Jr., b. Feb. 6, 1817. 

5. Paris H. Hill, b. June 15, 1818. 

6. Luther Hill, b. Feb. 25, 1824 ; m. Mary Jane Carr, b. Sept. 

8, 1833. 

7. Calvin B. Hill, b. March 5, 1827 ; ni. Laura Ann Beasoni, 

b. May 6, 1835. 

8. Sarah Elizabeth Hill, b. Oct. 11, 1831. 

Date of deaths of Micah and Sally's" issue ; also of their hus- 
b? nds' or wives' deaths : 

1. Moses, d. April 9, 1869 ; Charlotte, d. — . 

2. Aaron M., d. — ; Loiezer L., d. — . 

3. William R., d. — ; Emelj'B., d. — . 



158 HISTORY OP DOUdLAS. 

4. Micuh, d. Feb. 16, 1817. 

5. Paris H., d. — . 

6. Luther, d. — ; Mary Jane, d. — . 

7. Calvin B., d. — ; Laura Ann, d. — . 

8. Sarah E., d. Sept. 5, 1833. 

MOSES HILL, <sth generation, oldest son of Mieah and Sally, 
married Charlotte Taft Blush May 9, 1832. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Marion Eliza, b. May 19, 1833. 

2. Clara Malora, b. Jan. 30, 184L 

3. James Brainard, b. June 11, 1843. 

4. William Clark, b. March 7, 1846. 

0. William Brainard, Nov. 28, 1850. 

Date of death of Moses' and Charlotte's issue ; also of hus- 
bands' or wives' deaths : 

1. Marion E., d. — . 

2. Clara M., d. Oct. 14, 1842. 

3. James B., d. April 12, 1847. 

4. William C, d. Aug. 1, 1848. 
.5. Wilham Brainard, d, — . 

AARON MARSH HILL, 8th generation, son of Micah and 
Sally, married Loiezer L. Emerson May 1, 1837. 

CHILBKEN. 

1. Christiania Sarah, b. June 28, 1838; Arthur James Dud- 

ley, b. May 7, 1839. 

2. Marietta Sophia, b. June 17, 1841. 

3. Chauncey Rice, b. Aug. 20, 1844. 

4. Franceha Luvan, b. Nov. 30, 1847. 

5. Henry Aaron, Oct. 22, 1849. 

Date of deaths of Aaron M. and Loiezer L.'s issue ; also of 
husbands' or wives' deaths : 

1. Christiania S., d. — . 

2. Marietta S., d. July 17, 1842. 

3. Chauncey R., d. — . 

4. Francelia L., d. Oct. 5, 1848. 

5. Henry A., d. Nov. 23, 1849. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 160 

WILLIAM R. HILL, 8th generation, son of Micali and Sally, 
married Emely B. Wheelock May 21, l-Soi). 

CHILDBEN. 

1. Caroline Wheelock, b. May 15, 1840. 

2. Laura Ann Fisk, b. Jan. 6, 1842. 

3. Emely Frances, b. March 4, 1847. 

4. p:ilen Agnes, b. Oct. 1,1848; m. Albert L. Plsher, b. 

March 10, 1846. 

Date of deaths of William R. and Emely B.'s issue ; also of 
husbands' or wives' deaths : 

1. Caroline W., d. — . 

2. Laura Ann F., d. Oct. 26, 1842. 

3. Emely F., d. July 25, 1847. 

4. Pollen Agnes, d — . ; Albert L. Fisher, d. — . 

• PARIS H. HILL, 8th generation, son of Micali and Sall.w 
unmarried. 

LUTHER HILL, 8th generation, son of Micah and Sally. 
married Mary Jane Carr Oct. 14., 1857. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Sarah Elizabeth, b. Feb. 3, 185i). 

2. Laura Jane, b. Nov. 19, 1860. 

Date of deaths of Luther and Mary J.'s issue ; also of husbands' 
or wives' deaths : 

1. Sarah E., d. Feb. 26, 1859. 

2. Laura J., d. — . 

CALVIN B. HILL, 8th generation, son of Micah and Sally, 
married Laura Ann Beasom Nov. 12, 1856. 

CHILBKEN. 

1. Wilham Beasom, b. Feb. 7, 1858. 

2. Clara Baldwin, b. March 9, 1862. 

Date of deaths of Calvin B. and Laura A.'s issue : 

1. William B., d. Sept. 26, 1877. 

2. Clara B., d. March 9, 1866. 



160 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHRI8TIANIA S. HILL, yth generation, daughter of Aaron 
M. ancILoiezer L., married Arthuk James Dudley Nov. 12, 1861. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Walter John Hill Dudley, b. Aug. 2o, 1862. 

2. Guilford Chaunce^^ Dudle3% 1). March 5, 1864. 

3. Robert Arthur Dudley, b. Feb. 23, 1867. 

4. Loiezer Eliza Dudley, March 7. 1870. 

5. Ralph i:dward Dudley, b. April 20, 1876. 

Date of death of issue of Arthur J. and Christiania S., also 
those of their husbands or wives : 
1. Walter J. IL, d. —. 
2.. Guilford C, d. — . 

3. Robert A., d. — . 

4. Loiezer E., d. — . 
0. Ralph E.,d. — . 

JAMES HILL, of the 6th generation, son of Caleb Hill, was 
born Sept. 22, 1744, and married Dorothy Learned about 1768. 
The following were their issue : Bethiah, born Jan. 28, 1770, and 
married Mark Dodge, of Dudley. 2d. Ebenezer, born Nov. 22, 
1771 ; married Betsey Whitemore. 3d. Jerusha, born Aug. 1, 
1773, and married Anthony Butler. About the year 1774 the 
family moved to Dudley, Mass., wdiere six more children were 
born (but their births are not recorded) , as follows : 4th. Debora, 
who married Anthon}' Butler for his second Avife. 6th. Doroth}', 
who married David Freeman, of Webster. 6th. James, who mar- 
ried Betsey Kingsbury. 7th. Ruth, who married Esek Chase, of 
Douglas. 8th. Tryphena, who married Abel Davis, of Oxford. 
;>tli. Barnabas, wlio married Abigail Kingsbury. Ebenezer Hill 
died Oct. 16, 1852, and his wife Betsey May 10, 1854. 

The following are the children of Ebenezer Hill and his wife 
Betsey, who are the 7th generation : 1. James Hill, born Dec. 14, 
1795, died Jan. 21), 1875, aged 79 years U months. 2. Wil- 
liam Hill, died Sept. 18, 1866, age 67 years. 3. Betsey Hill, born 
Dec. 11, 1.S12, died May 11, 1875. 4. Sarah Hill, living. 5. 
Learned Hill, died Sept. 21, 1831, aged 29 ^^ears, 9 months, 17 
days. 

JAMES HILL, of the 8th generation, son of Ebenezer and his 
wife Betsey, had the following children : 1. Delia C, born April 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 161 

28, 1824 ; married Joseph Cutler, and have issue. 2. Aaron R., 
born Dec. 26, 1828. 3. James F. Hill, born Aug. 12, 1839, mar- 
ried, and has issue. 4. William G. Hill, born Oct. 15, 1840, 
married, and has issue. 5. Ellen E. Hill, born Noa'. 20, 1856. 

Sarah married' S. Fuller. WilHam and Learned Hill left no 
issue. Betsey Hill married George L. Winter Nov. 15, 1835 ; 
George L. was born Nov. 15, 1808, and died Feb. 23, 1856, 
leaving the following issue : 1. Harriet M., born Oct. 15, 1836, 
married, and has issue. 2. Sanford H., born Oct. 11, 1838, 
single. 3. George L., Jr., born Nov. 16, 1840, died Nov. 11, 
1859. 4. Aurilor B. Winter, born April 4, 1854. 

BARNABAS PHLL, of the 7th generation, son of James Hill 
and grandson of Caleb Hill ; married Miss AbagaIl Kingsbury, 
and the following are their issue : 1. Daniel K. Hill, born April 

1, 1809, and married Mary Ann Fitts, who was born Oct. 24, 1822. 

2. Abagail, who married Benjamin F. Gilmore. 3. Lucy, who 
married John Stone. 4. Ehzabeth, who married Daniel Whitford. 
5. Rufus Hill, born in Dudley March 15, 1811, and married Mary 
Florrence. 

DOROTHY HILL, daughter of James Hill, and granddaugh- 
ter of Caleb Hill ; was of the 7th generation, and married David 
Freeman. They had the following issue, viz. : Ruth, Nancy, Jo- 
seph, Dorothy, Thamar, David, Oliver, and Jerusha. 

TRYPHENA HILL, daughter of James Hill, and granddaugh- 
ter of Caleb Hill ; was of the 7th generation, and married Abel 
Davis. The}' had the following issue : 1. Barnabas Davis, who 
married for his first wife the daughter of Minor Morse, of Douglas, 
2. Abagail, who married S^'lvester Phipps, of Oxford. 3. Sarah. 
4. Lament, who married Albee, of Uxbridge. 5. Abel. 6. Di- 
antha, who married Loren W. Cad}', of Oxford, who was born 
March 22, 1822, and died Aug. 19, 1865. Diantha was born 
March 4, 1822. 7. John M. 

DANIEL K. HILL, of the 8th generation, son of Barnabas 
Hill and his wife Mary Ann, had for their issue George K. Hill, 
who married Emma Fitts. 
u 



162 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

DIANTHA DAVIS, of the bth generation, daughter of Try- 
phena Hill Davis, and husband, Loren W. Cady, had the follow- 
ing children : 1. George D. Cady, born Sept. 20, 1847, and died 
Aug. 22, 184y. 2. Wilham C. Cady, born June 29, 1851. 3. 
Flora A. J. Cady, born Aug. 18, 1861. 

JAMES F. HILL, son of James Hill, of the 8th generation, 
was born Aug. 12, 1839, and married Lucv Smith Buroe of 
Michigan, Aug. 9, 1866, who was born March 17, 1838. Issue, 
Frank Burge Hill, born Jan. 18, 1870. James F. Hill graduated 
at Kalamazoo College, June, 1863, and received from that institu- 
tion the title of A. B. at the time of his graduation. He also 
graduated at Rochester (X. Y.) Theological Seminary in 1866. 

He received the title of A. M. from Kalamazoo College , 

1866, and was ordained pastor over the Baptist Church in 
Norwalk, O., Sept. 4, 1866, and remained there nearly four years. 
Thence he removed to and settled over a church at Muskegon, 
Mich., Sept. 1, 1870, and is there at the present time. He has 
baptised one hundred and thirty-seven persons, officiated at one 
hundred and twenty-eight funerals, and married eighty-six couples. 

WILLIAM GILBERT HILL, son of James Hill and Sarah 
his wife, married Kate C. Thompson, of Richmond, Va., Nov. 
20, 1867, who was born Sept. 6, 1848. Issue, William Hill, born 
July 10, 1871 ; Clarence Edward Hill, born June 8, 1876. 
William G. Hill became engaged as a merchant in the hide and 
leather trade in Boston in 1865, and has continued in the same to 
the present time. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 163 



GENEALOGY OF THE HUNT FA3IILY. 

The Hunts of Douglas are descended from Ezekiel Hunt, a 
blacksmith, who came to the town more than one hundred years 
ago. He was the son of Ezekiel Hunt, of Concord, of the third 
generation from the first settler. 

WILLIAM HUNT, of Concord, born 1605; married ^ Eliza- 
beth Best, died 1661 ; married "^ Mercy Rice, 1664. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Nehemiah, b. 1631 ; d. March 6, 1718. 

2. Samuel, b. 1633. 

3. Elizabeth, m. Barron. 

4. Hannah, b. 1640. 

5. Isaac, b. 1647 ; d. Dec. 12, 1680. 

SAMUEL HUNT, of Ipswich, son of William, born 1633 ; 
married Elizabeth Redding. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Samuel, b. Nov. 17, 1657; d. Jan. 11, 1743. 

2. Wniiam, b. April 23, 1660 ; d. April 29. 1660. 

3. Ehzabeth, b. May 29, 1661 : m. Palmer. 

4. William, b. 1663 ; d. Dec. 12, 1747. 

5. Joseph, b. Oct. 28, 1665. 

6. Peter, b. Aug. 8, 1668 ; d. young. ^ 

7. Peter, b. May 14, 1670 ; d. under 21 years. 

WILLIAM HUNT, 2d, of Ipswich, son of Samuel, born 1663 ; 
married ^ Sarah Newman June 9, 1684 ; maraed ^ Rose News- 
man ; published March 6, 1724. 

children. 

1. Sarah, b. June 6, 1685 ; m. Riggs. 

2. WiUiam, d. Aug. 16, 1753. 

3. Agnes, m. Heard. 

4. Mary, m. Ingerson. 

5. AbigaO, m. — - Hodgkins. 



164 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

6. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 26, 1694 ; m. Davis. 

7. Rebecca, b. April 21, 1697 ; m. Smith. 

8. Ezekiel, b. 1699 ; d. Aug. 11, 1700. 

9. Hannah, b. July 4, 1701. 

10. Dorothy, b. Aug. 13, 1703 ; m. Da\'is. 

11. Mehitable, b. July 12, 1705 ; m, Blackstone. 

12. Ruth, b. May 22, 1708 ; m. Smith. 

13. Ezekiel, b. July 1.5, 1710 ; m. ' Berry. "' Hodg- 

kins. 

EZEKIEL HUNT, of Ipswich, son of William 2d, born 1710; 
married 'Susanna Berry, published April 15, 1732: married 
^Elizabeth Hodgkins, published March 8, 1743. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Ezekiel, 2d, b. April 6, 1735 ; d. Jan. 25, 1803. 

2. Susanna, b. Oct. 17, 1736. 

3. Nathaniel, b. Sept. 15, 1738. 

4. William, b. March 28, 1741. 

5. Joseph, b. 1744 : d. Nov. 11, 1771. 

6. Isaac. 

7. Rebecca, b. 1746 ; m. Roberts. 

EZEKIEL 2d, of East Douglas, sou of Ezekiel, born 1735; 
married Eunice White May 27, 1761. 

CHILDREN. 

1. vSusanna, b. Jan. 5, 1762. 

2. William, b. Jan. 12, 1764; d. Nov. 15, 1832. 

3. Judith, b. 1766 ; m. Trask. 

4. Ezekiel, b. 1771 ; d. March 7, 1849. 

5. Joseph, b. 1773 ; m. Balcome. 

6. Oliver, b. 1775. 

7. Otis, b. 1778. 

8. Eunice, b. 1781 ; m. Balcome. 

9. Clark, b. 1783 ; m. ' Alexander, - Pickering. 

At this point we take the Douglas line of Hunts (the descend- 
ants of Joseph, Oliver, Eunice and Clark,) and trace it down to 
the present time : 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 165 

JOSEPH HUNT, of East Douglas, son of Ezekiel, born 1773 ; 
married Betsey Balcome May 29, 1799. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Merric, b. Feb. 23, 1800; d. 1829. 

2. Sally, b. 1802 ; m. Northam. 

3. Betsey, b. Dec. 23, 1804 ; d. Feb. 0, 1805. 

4. Joseph, b. March 16, 1809. 

5. John B., b. Oct. 11, 1812. 

MERRIC HUNT, son of Joseph, born 1800; married Re- 
becca Carpenter ; published Nov. 15, 1823. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Elona C, b. Oct. 6, 1824 ; m. Bursley. 

2. Sabra, b. Nov. 5, 1825 ; d. early. 

ELONA C, daughter of Merric, born 1824; married Sam- 
uel C. BusRLEY, of Northb ridge, May 22, 1859. 

No children. 

SALLY, daughter of Joseph, born 1802 ; married Joseph 
NORTHAM Oct. 1, 1820. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Sally Maria, b. June 17, 1821 ; m. Taft. 

2. Joseph Francis, d. young. 

3. Betsey E., b. Dec. 19, 1823 ; m. Tatt. 

4. Mary Whitman, d. young. 

SALLY MARL^, daughter of Sally, born 1821 ; married 
Samuel N. Tajt May 2, 1843. 

CHILD. 

Josephine Maria, b. Feb. 2, 1844 ; d. Feb. 28, 1844. 

BETSEY E., daughter of Sally, born 1823; married Sam- 
uel N. Taet Sept. 7, 1846. 

CHILDREN. 

1. George Henry, b. June 28, 1849. 

2. Josephine Maria, b. March 10, 1852. 

3. William Northam, b. Apiil 11, 1857. 



166 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

GEORGE HENRY TAFT, sou of Betsey E., born 1849 ; mar- 
ried ^ Mary J. Goodman Aug. 28, 1871, d. Nov., 1871 ; married 
''Mary J. Reed. 

CHILD. 

1. Arthur R., b. Jan. 28, 1877, by Mary J. Reed. 

JOSEPH HUNT, of East Douglas, son of Joseph, born 1809 ; 
married ^ Sarah Whitcomb Aug. 11,1839; married * Sarah L. 
Adams Sept. 15, 1869. 

CHILDBEN. 

1. Mary E., b. Dec. 16, 1832 ; m. Taft. 

2. Luke Livingston, b. Aug. 16, 1834. 

3. Emma Rachel, b. Nov. 12, 1842 ; m. Converse. 

4. William Whitcomb, b. Dec. 6, 1846 ; d. Aug. 22, 1848. 

5. Willard Whitcomb, b. Oct. 15, 1855. 

6. Grace Louise, b. Nov. 14, 1870. 

MARY E., daughter of Joseph, born 1832; married Nelson 
F. Taft, of Lowell; published May 2, 1854. 

CHILDREN. 

1 Mary Nora, l^^.;^^^ 
2. Emma Flora. ) 

LUKE LIVINGSTONE HUNT, son of Joseph, born 1834. 

EMMA RACHEL, daughter of Joseph, born 1842 ; married 
Enoch Converse. 

WILLARD WHITCOMB HUNT, son of Joseph, born 1855. 

JOHN B. HUNT, of East Douglas, son of Joseph, born 1821 ; 
married Ann B. Peck. 

CHILD. 

Josephine C, b. May 14, 1834 ; d. Jan. 7, 1842. 

OLIVER HUNT, of East Douglas, son of Ezekiel, born 1775 ; 
married ^Diadem A Whiting June 29, 1797 ; married '^Phcebe Bal- 
COME Jan. 28, 1802. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 167 

CHILDKEN- 

1. Warren, b. April 30, 1799 ; m. Kelley. 

2. Otis Whitney, h. Jnly 19. 1801; d. Dec. 21, 1858; m. 
— Cummings. 



3. Diadema, b. Aug. 19, 1802 : m. Stone. 

4. Anderson, b. Jan. 31, 1804 ; m. Forbush and Chamberlain. 

5. Austin, Nov. 24, 1807. 

6. Oliver, b. Nov. 28, 1809 ; m. Forbush. 

7. Leander B., b. July 15, 1812 ; ni. ' Nourse, ^ Han- 

chet.' 

8. Harriet N., b. Nov. 21, 1814 ; m. Hutchius. 

WARREN HUNT, of East Douglas, son of Ohver,born 1799 ; 
married Martha Kelley July 12, 1821. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Francis Warren, b. Aug. 2, 1827: m. Balcome. 

2. Martha Jane, b. Jan. 30, 1830 ; d. Nov. 23, 1837. 

3. Caroline Augusta, b. Sept. 7, 1833 ; m. Bryant. 

FRANCES W. HUNT, son of Warren, born 1827 ; married 
Eunice D. Balcome May 22, 1849. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. AVarren Lyman, b. May 2, 1851. 

2. Henry Frank, b. Jan. 8, 1853. 

3. M. Jennie, b. Jan. 16, 1857 ; m. Elwell. 

4. Sumner Balcome, b. Nov. 19, 1861. 

M. JENNIE, daughter of Francis W., born 1857 ; married 
Joseph A. Elwell, of Woonsocket, Nov. 2, 1876. 

CHILD. 

1. Albert Francis, b. March 30, 1878. 

CAROLINE AUGUSTA, daughter of Warren, born 1833 ; 
married Geoege P. Bryant Jan. 12. 1854. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Carrie Hunt, b. March 15, 1856. 

2. Paul Lincoln, b. Oct. 15, 1868. 



168 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

OTIS W. HUNT, son of Oliver, born 1801 ; married Submh' 

CUMMINGS. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Charles Edwin, b. July 25, 1824 ; d. Jan. 10, 1826. 

2. p:dwin Augustus, b. Feb. 25, 1826 ; d. May 8, 1857. 

3. William, b. April 4, 1828 ; m. Balcome. 

4. Franklin L., b. Sept. 1, 1834 ; m. Graves. 

5. Mary Louise, b. Feb. 13, 1839 ; m. Waite. 

6. Otis W., b. Nov. 13, 1849. 

EDWIN AUGUSTUS HUNT, son of Otis W., born 1826 ; mar- 
ried Mary A. Joslyn, 1848. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Edgar A., b. Nov. 9, 1854. 

2. Edwin A., b. June, 1856. 

WILLIAM HUNT, son of Otis W., born 1828 ; married Laura 
A. Balcome May 22, 1849. 

CHILDBED. 

1. Charles E., b. June 1, 1851. 

2. Walter B., b. July 15, 1854. 

3. Josephine L., b. Aug-. 9, 1857. 

4. Robert W., b. Jan. 28, 1859 ; d. March 13, 1859. 

DIADEM A, daughter of Oliver, born 1802 ; married Luther 
Stone 1825. 

CHILD. 

1. Louensia Augusta, b. 1826; m. Lincoln. 

LOUENSIA AUGUSTA, daughter of Diadema, born 1826 ; 
married Charles Lincoln. 

ANDERSON HUNT, son of Oliver, born 1807 ; married ^ Eliza 
FoRBUSH May 18, 1831 ; married " Nancy Chamberlain May 30, 
1842. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Lysander Perry, b. Sep. 3, 1832 ; m. Batcheller. 

2. Charles Anderson, b. June 23, 1834 ; m. Chamberlain. 

3. Harlan Page, b. July 6, 1836 ; m. Cunhff. 

4. Ellen Ehza, b. March 3, 1843. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 169 

5. Anna Francelia, b. Nov. 11, 1845. 

6. George Warren, b. Nov. 11, 1847. 

LY8ANDER P. HUNT, son of Anderson, bom 1832 ; married 
MiXERVA A. Batcheller, 1857. 

CHARLES A. HUNT, son of Anderson, born 1834 ; married 
Sakah Chamberlain, of Boston, Oct. 20, 1859. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Arthur Chamberlain, b. Oct. 11, 1866. 

2. Clarence Mellen, b. June 17, 1870. 

HARLAN P. HUNT, son of Anderson, born 1836 ; mamed 
Sarah Louise Cunliff Nov. 26, 1863. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Nellie E., b. Oct. 23, 1865. 
• 2. EmmaL.,b. March 20, 1874. 

GEORGE W. HUNT, son of Anderson, born 1847; married 
Josephine M. Taft, daughter of Newell Taft, Nov. 14, 1878. 

OLIVER HUNT, son of OUver, born 1809 ; married Persis G. 
FoRBUSH May 10, 1832. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Julia Ann, b. July 19, 1833 ; m. Howe. 

2. Helen Maria, b. Feb. 22, 1835 ; d. Aug. 30, 1838. 

3. Mary Elizabeth, b. April 19, 1837 ; d. Nov. 15, 1838. 

4. Sarah Elizabeth, b. Jan. 30, 1843 ; d. Sept. 5, 1843. 

5. Anna Ohvia, b. July 27, 1845 ; d. Aug. 14, 1845. 

JULIA ANN, daughter of Oliver, born 1833 ; married Elijah 
Howe, Jr., Jan. 3, 1857. 

CHILD. 

1. OUver, b. 1860. 

LEANDER B. HUNT, son of Oliver, born 1812 ; married 
^Lydia B. Nourse Nov. 8, 1836; married ^ Mary H. Hanchet 
Oct. 27, 1852. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Antoinette Eliza, b. Oct. 25, 1839 ; m. Thayer. 

2. Louis Herbert, b. June 21, 1846 ; d. Oct. 2, 1846. 



170 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

3. Herbert Eugene, b. Oct. 29, 1848 ; in. Pabner. 

4. Alfred Epher, b. Marcb 31, 1855 ; m. McQuesten. 

5. Arthur Leander, b. Aug. 7, 1856 ; d. April 23, 1860. 

6. Mary Tobjs b. Nov. 21, 1857 ; d. Nov. 14, 1858. 

ANTOINETTE E., daughter of Leander B.. born in 1839; 
married Lucius M. Thayer Sept. 7, 1864. 

CHILDEEN. 

1. Walter Nourse, b. April 8, 1870. 

2. May Hunt, b. Oct. 29, 1873. 

3. Daisy Lillian, b. Feb. 10, 1877. 

- HERBERT E. HUNT, son of Leander B., born , 1848 ; 

married Amklia Paumek, at Boston, May 29, 1870. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Mabel Gertrude, b. June 11, 1871 ; d. Sept. 9, 1871. 

2. Bertha Grenville, b. Aug. 17, 1873. 

3. Elizabeth Baker, b. Feb. 9* 1876. 

ALFRED E. HUNT, son of Leander B., born , 1855; 

married Minnie T. McQuesten, of Nashua, N. H., Oct. 29, 1878. 

HARRIET N., daughter of Oliver, born , 1814 ; married 

Charles Hutchins, pubhshed Oct. 12, 1837. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Alice Ann, b. Feb. 14, 1839 ; d. April 22, 1861. 

2. George Francis. 1). Oct. 5, 1841 ; m. ^ Bodkin ; '^ 

Fairbanks. 

3. Harriet Augusta, b. June 15, 1844 ; m. Richards. 

4. Charles Heniy, b. Jan. 13, 1847 ; m. Knowles. 

5. Ohver Clay, b. Feb. 21, 1850. 

6. Jessie Gertrude, b. Oct. 1, 1859. 

GEORGE F. HUTCHINS, son of Harriet N., born 1841 ; 
married ^ Annie L. Bodkin Dec. 28, 1869; married ^Edna P. 
Fairbanks May 12, 1875. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Charles Francis, b. Feb. 1, 1871. 

2. Willie Lee, b. Jan. 27, 1873. 

3. Hem-y Talbot, b. Feb. 3, 1877. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 171 

HARRIET A., daughter of Harriet N., born 1844; married 
Seth Richards Oct. 3, 1871. 

C. HENRY HUTCHINS, sou of Harriet N., born 1847 ; mar- 
ried LiLA E. Knowles Sept. 2, 1873. 

CHILD. 

1. Arthur Knowles, b. 1878. 

EUNICE, daughter of Ezekiel, born 1781 ; married Ellis Bal- 

COME. 

CHILDBEN. 

1. Sumner, b. Sept. 23. 1799 ; m. Knapp. 

2. Eunice, b. Feb. 23, 1808 ; m. Dudley. 

3. Rehef, b. Aug. 3, 1810 ; m. Luther. 

SUMNER BALCOME, son of Eunice, born 1799 : married 
Laura Knapp, of Bridgeport, Conn. 

CHrLDKEI^^. 

1. Brigham, m. Julia Balcome. 

2. Emily, m. Nathan Sprague. 

3. Laura A., m. William Hunt. 

4. Eunice D., m. F. W. Hunt. 

5. Smnner W., m. Lizzie Walls. 

6. Hattie A., m. Edgar Spinney. 

7. Jennie, m. Hooker. 

8. Mary Elizabeth, m. Blinn. 

EUNICE, daughter of Eunice, born 1808; married Willard 

Dudley. 

childkex. 

Edwin, Francis, and Betsey-. 

RELIEF, daughter of Eunice, born 1810; married Jeremiah 

Luther. 

childben. 

1. Eliza G., b. Aug. 8, 1831 ; m. Hazelton. 

2. Marcus M., b. Sept. 1, 1833 ; m. Mannehau. 

3. Marion R., b. Nov. 14, 1836 ; m. Calden. 

4. Alphonso, b. Oct. 13, 1838 ; m. Eimiions. 

5. Jeremiah E., b. Sept. 27, 1843 ; d. Oct. 14, 1863. 

6. Jane S., b. Aug. 16, 1847 ; m. Oakes. 

7. Hannah H., b. July 29, 1850 ; d. Sept. 23, 1850. 



172 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

ELIZA G., daughter of Relief, b. 1831 ; married William 
Hazelton. 

CHILD. 

1. Charles Edward, b. May 8, 1855. 

MARCUS M. LUTHER, son of ReUef, born 1833 ; married 
Ellen M. Maxnehan. 

CHILD. 

1. Alice Ehza, b. July 15, 1874. 

MARION R., daughter of Rehef, born 1836 ; mairied TnoMAii 
J. Calden. 

CHILDBEX. 

1. Walter A., b. Feb. 29, 1857. 

2. Etta E., b. Nov. 26, 1859. 

3. Eddie L., b. July 13, 1861 ; d. Oct. — , 1861. 

ALPHONSO LUTHER, son of Relief, born 1838; married 
Emma A. Emmons. " 

CHILDREN. 

1. Helen, b. Aug. 14, 1868. 

2. Julia Annie, b. Dec. 29, 1874. 

JANE S., daughter of Relief, born 1847 ; married Jonas Oakes 
Nov. 22, 1870. 

CHILDBEN. 

1. Charles Francis, b. Aug. 13, 1871. 

2. Freddy Jonas, b. April 23, 1877. 

CLARK HUNT, of Danby, Vt., son of Ezekiel, born 1783; 
married ^Zilphia Alexander, published Dec. 8, 1805; married 
'^Cyrene Pickering March 12, 1811. 

children. 

1. Celia A., b. April 28, 1805 ; m. Smith. 

2. Harriet, b. Feb. 13, 1807 ; m. Buxton. 

3. Carohne, b. Feb. 28, 1812 ; m. Coggeshall. 

4. Hiram, b. Oct. 6, 1814. 

5. Homer P., b. Aug. 30, 1816. 

6. Zilphia, b. Oct. 9, 1819 ; m. Cook. 

7. Cyi-ene, b. Jan. 24, 1821 ; m. Vallet. 

8. Clark, b. Sept. 29, 1823 ; d. Nov. 4, 1859. 



BTOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 178 

9. Venner, b. May 2, 1827 ; d. Feb. 21, 1828. 
10. Nelson V., b. IFeb. 17, 1829 ; d. April 2, 1840. 

HOMER P. HUNT, son of Clark, born 1816 ; married ' Mary 
D. Davis May 9, 1841; married "Mary J. Hodges Nov. 29, 

1848. CHILDREN. 

1. Mary E., b. 1841 ; d. July 6, 1842. 

2. Homer P., b. July 1844 ; d. Aug. 8, 1844. 

3. Lewis H., b. June 13, 1853 ; d. Oct, 2, 1859. 

4. HoAvard N., b. Aug. 16, 1855 ; d. Feb. 18, 1858. 



GENEALOGY OF THE THAYER FA3IIL.Y. 

THOMAS THAYER, of Braintree, Mass., and Margery - 
his wife ; were from England. 

CHILDREN. 



1. 


Thomas. 










3. 


Shadrack. 




2. 


Ferdinand. 
















FERDINAND 


THAYER, 


son 


of Thomas, married 


Huldah 


Hay WARD, of Braintree. 


1^52. 

CHI 












1. 


Sarah. 


\ 


LDREN. 


5. 


Naomi. 




2. 


Huldah. 


1 








6. 


Thomas. 




3. 


Jonathan. 










7. 


Samuel. 




4. 


Da\id. ~^ 










8. 


Isaac. 





CAPT. THOMAS THAYER, son of Ferdinand, married Mary 
Adams, of Mendon, 1838. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary. 6. Elizabeth. 

2. Thomas. 7. John. 

3. Samuel. " 8. Wilham. 

4. Temperance. • 9. Margaret. 

5. David. 10. Jemima. 

SAMUEL THAYER, son of Captain Thomas, born 169fi ; 
manned 'Sarah Farmer, of Uxbridge, Ma}- 3, 1754; married 
* Sarah AYalker. 



174 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Amos. 5. Martha. 

2. Jabez 6. Eunice. 
,3. Asa. 7. Louisa. 
4. Lois. !^. Nahum. 

9. Stephen. 11. Maiy. 

10. Samuel. 

ASA THAYER, son of Samuel, born 1761 : married Mart 
MuRDOCK, of Newton. Mass., April. 1780. 

CHILDRElSr. 

1. Olive, 1). Aug. 1<S, 1781 ; m. Ezekiel Taft. 

2. Clinton, b. April 27, 1784 ; m. Betsey Carter. 

3. Nancy, b. April 11, 1786 ; d. July, 1852 ; m. Ai'uold Taft. 

4. Royal, b. March 19, 1788 ; m. Hannah SeagraA-e. 
0. Collins, b. April 7, 1790 ; m. Almira Taft. 

6. SuUivan, b. April o, 1792; m. ^Charlotte Mowry, -Ruth 



7. Emery, b. Feb. 19, 1794 ; m. Susan Taft. 

8. Lois, b. Oct. 3, 1796 ; m. George Minot. 

9. Asa, b. Sept. 2, 1799 ; m. Chloe Chapin. 

10. Turner, b. Feb. 2, 1802 ; m. Lydia Batcheller. 

11. Mary, b. Sept. 4, 1803 ; m. Claxk Smnner. 

12. Louisa, b. April 14, 1800 ; d. 1828. 

OLIVE, daughter of Asa, b. 1781 ; married Ezekiel T^aft 
Nov. 29, 1804 ; died April 24, 1821. 
No children. 

CLINTON THAYER, son of Asa, born 1784 ; married ^Bet- 
sey Carter Jan., 1805 ; married '^ Ice Morse, 1824. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Eliza, b. 1818. 

2. Sarah, b. 1820. 

.3. Charles, b. 1821 ; d. 1838. 

4. Clinton. 

5. Margaret Ann. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT, 176 

NANCY, daughter of Asa, bora 1786 : married Arnold Taft ; 
died July, 1852. 

ROYAL THAYER, sou of Asa, born 1788 ; married Haxnah 
Seagrave June, 1812. 

CHILDBEN. 

1. Catherine, 1). .lune 21, 1813 ; d. Aug. 8, 1844. 

2. Sarah Ann, b. Oct. 7, 1814 ; m. Riddle. 

3. Charlotte A., b. Sept. 18, 1817; m. Rogerson. 

4. AYilliam B., b. .July 21, 1818 ; d. Nov. 20, 1828. 

5. Hannah A., 1). March 28, 1822 ; m. Armsburg. 

6. Sylvia AY., b. March 8, 1824. 

7. William AY., b. May 1 , 1827 ; m. M. S. Giles May 2o, 1853. 

8. Royal AY., b. Jan. 18, 1828 ; d. April 15, 1.S28. 

9. Mary Aldrich, b. March 14, 1830 ; m. Galthart. 

10. Royal 2d, b. Dec. 18, 1832 ; m. Galthart. 

SARAH ANN, daughter of Royal, born 1814 ; married Henry 
Riddle Oct., 1835. 

CHILDREN. 

1. AYiUiam Henry, b. Jan., 1839. 

2. Edwin Henry, b. 1841. 

3. Catherine S., b. 1844. 

4. Calvin H., b. Jan., 1850. 

5. AAlllie Thayer, b. Feb., 1853. 

CHARLOTTE A., daughter of Royal, born 1817; married 
Robert Rogerson Sept. 5, 1850. 

CHILD. 

1. Alice A., b. 1851 ; m. Brown. 

ALICE A., daughter of Charlotte A., born 1851 ; married 
John F. Brown Oct. 31, 1878. 

HANNAH A., daughter of Roj-al, born 1822 ; married A. 
Armsburg Dec. 4, 1844. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Catharine, b. June 30, 1846 ; d. July, 1848. 

2. Kate P., b. June 7, 1850. 



176 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

MARY A., daughter of Royal, born 1830; married Nathan 
G-ALTHART Aug. 25, 1852. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Ada Isabella, b. Nov. 20, 1854 ; d. Nov. 9, 1861. 

2. Francis Cornelia, b. Sept. 13, 1859. 

3. Anna Mary, b. Oct. 14, 1864. 

ROYAL THAYER 2d, son of Eoyal, born 1832 ; married 
Cornelia K. Waters May 25, 1859. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Herbert, b. May 9, 1860 ; d. Nov. 19, 1860. 

2. Carroll, b. Aug. 10, 1862. 

COLLINS THAYER, son of Asa, born 1790; manned Al- 

mira Taft. 

children. 

1. Susan Mary Adeline. 

2. Elmira Vii-ginia Elizabeth Collins. 

3. OUve. 

4. James Munroe. 

SULLIVAN THAYER sou of Asa, born 1792; married 

'Charlotte Mo wry Sept. 6, 1814; married -Ruth Mo wry Jan. 

17, 1877. 

children. 

1. Alonzo, born Sept. 12, 1815 ; died Feb. 12, 1816. 

2. Austin, b. March 3, 1819 ; d. Jan. 27, 1826. 

3. Sullivan Taft, b. April 17, 1820. 

4. Charlotte M., b. Nov. 28, 1821 ; m. Wiggin. 

5. Mary Adie, b. Jan. 10, 1824 ; d. Jan. 27, 1826. 

6. Edwin S., b. .Tune 5, 1826 ; m. Barstow. 

7. Asa, b. June 2, 1828 ; d. 1849. 

8. Henry H., b. March 13, 1832. 

9. George Flagg, b. March, 1834 ; d. Feb. 22. 1855. 

10. Harriet L., b. Aug. 2, 1839. 

11. Mary Jane, b. Aug. 22, 1841. 

12. Herbert M., b. Feb. 6, 1843. 

CHARLOTTE M., daughter of Sullivan, born 1821 ; manned 
Samuel W. Wiggin. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 177 

CHILD. 

1. Ella Francis, b. May 22, 1848. 

EDWIN S. THAYER, son of Sullivan, born 1826 ; married 
Nancy Barstow Feb. 28, 1850. 

CHILD. 

1. Helen Louise, b. Feb. 28, 1854. 

EMERY THAYER, son of Asa, born 1794 ; married Susan 
Taft Sept. 4, 1816. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Malora Lovina, b. Sept. 2, 1819 ; m. Cummings. 

2. Matilda Ann, b. Sept. 24, 1820 ; m. Potter. 

3. Ezekiel Taft, b. Nov. 21, 1823 ; m. Cook. 

4. Susan A., b. Oct. 1, 1826. 

5. Georgiana, b. July 6, 1827. 

6. Angeline L., b. Aug. 10, 1830. 

7. Angenetta, b. Aug. 17, 1832. 

8. Georgiana, 2d, b. May 23, 1838. 

MALORA L.. daughter of Emery, born 1819 ; married Caleb 
Cummings Jan. 31, 1841. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Francis A., b. Jan. 1, 1842. 

2. Florence E., b. June 1, 1848. 

FLORENCE ELLEN, daughter of Malora L., born 1848 ; 
married Byron Stockwell, Nov. 27, 1871. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Bertha C, b. Aug. 17, 1873. 

2. Harry L., b. June 23, 1877. 

MATILDA A., daughter of Emery, born 1820 ; married Dr. 
Allan Potter Nov. 6, 1845. 

CHILD. 

1. Frank, b. Sept., 1852. 

EZEKIEL T. THAYER, son of Emery, born 1823 ; mar- 
ried Mary Cook Nov. 29, 1848. 

12 



178 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHILDKEN. 

1, Clara Emergene, b. July 20, 1849 ; m. Taft. 

2. Ella J., b. May 29, 1851. 

. 3. Eva A., b. Nov. 26, 1852 ; m. Hopkins. 

CLARA E., daughter of Ezekiel T., born 1849 ; married Lewis 
W. Taft. 

CHILD. 

1. Leo Maud, b. Nov. 29. 

EVA A., daughter of Ezekiel T., born 1857 ; married Henry 
T. Hopkins. 

CHILD. 

1. WillardE., b. Oct., 1878. 

GEOUGIANNA, daughter of Emery, born 1838; married 
Noah H. Jones Nov. 24, 1854. 

children. 

1. Herbert W., b. March 8, 1855 ; m. Heath. 

2. Ernest W., b. Feb. 4, 1860 ; d. Aug. 14, 1863. 

3. Wilton A., b. Oct. 12, 1865. 

4. Louie S., b. Sept. 28,. 1874. 

HERBERT W. JONES, son of Georgiana ; m. Emma P. 
Heath, Dec. 24, 1876. 

CHILD. 

1. Florence S., b. Jan. 20, 1878. 

ANGELINE L., daughter of Emery, born 1830 ; married Ed- 
vv^iN Aldrich Nov. 20, 1849. 

CHILD. 

1. Viola, m. Malcolm Rogers. 

LOIS, daughter of Asa, born 1796 ; married George Minot 
Jan. 7, 1818. 

CHILD. 

1. Charles Thayer, b. July 30, 1810. 

ASA THAYER, 2d., son of Asa, born 1799 ; married Ciiloe 
Chapin Sept. 24, 1827. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 179 

CHILDREN. 

1. Andrew Jackson, b. Jan. 19, 1829 ; m. Knapp. 

2. Charles A., b. July 24, 1830 ; d. in California May 2, 1856. 

3. Francis H., b. June 8. 1832 ; d. Jan. 6, 1852. 

4. Annie F., b. Feb. 3, 1835 ; m, Shadlow. 

5. Ella G-., b. Jan. 8, 1837 ; m. W3'man. 

6. Etta E., b. April 6, 1838 ; m. Alger. 

7. Lucius M., b. Feb. 18, 1841 ; m. Hunt. 

8. AValter G., b. Sept. 23, 1842 ; d. Jan. 3, 1859. 

ANDREW JACKSON THAYEK, son of Asa. 2d., born 
1829 ; married Mary A. Kxapp Dee. 16, 1852. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Frank Henry, b. Sept. 3, 1854 ; d. May 12, 1857. 

2. Fannie E., b. March 30, 1856 ; d. Feb. 6, 1858. 

3. Helen L., b. Dec. 20, 1858. 

4. Anna Josephine, b. June 23, 1863. 

ANNIE F., daughter of Asa, 2d, born 1835 ; married Wil- 
liam L. Shadlow Sept. 18, 1855. 

ELLA G., daughter of Asa, 2d, born 1837 ; married Isaac J. 
Wyman April 25, 1865. 

CHILD. 

1. Mary T., b. June 18, 1866. 

ETTA E., daughter of Asa, 2d, born 1838 ; married Amasa 
Alger. 

CHILD. 

1. Katie. 

LUCIUS M. THAYER, son of Asa, 2d, born 1841 ; married 
Antoinette E. Hunt Sept. 7, 1864. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Walter Nourse, b. April 8, 1870. 

2. May Hunt, b. Oct. 29, 1873. " 

3. Daisy Lillian, b. Feb. 10, 1877. 

TURNER THAYER, son of Asa, born 1802 ; married Lydia 
Batcheller 1823. 



180 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Laurie, b. Oct. 18, 1824 ; m. Hammond. 

2. Louisa H., b. Nov. 5, 1527 ; m. ^ Parker, ^ . 

3. George C, b. Juty 30, 1830 ; m. Greeley. 

4. Mary B., b. May 17, 1835 ; m. Steere. 

5. Edward T., b. Aug. 13, 1839 ; d. March 5, 1841. 

6. Olive E., b. Aug. — , 1840 ; d. Oct. 7, 1840. 

7. Edward L., b. March 14, 1843. 

LAURIE, daughter of Turner, born 1824 ; married John C. 
Hammond Feb. 27, 1846. 

OHILBEEN. 

1. Wilberforce B., b. April 24, 1855. 

2. Millie Belle M., b. Sept. 17, 1856. 

LOUISA H., daughter of Turner, born 1827; married Philo 
Parker Oct. 5, 1847. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Walter E., b. Jan. 16, 1850. 

2. Fred. T., b. Jan. 17, 1856. 

GEORGE 0. THAYER, .son of Turner, born 1830; married 
Sarah A. Greeley July 1, 1848. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Byron T., b. April 8, 1849. 

2. Cora G., b. Aug. — , 1855. 

3. Leroy E., d. Dec. 30, 1862. 

MARY, daughter of Asa, born 1803 ; married Clark Sumner 
Sept. 23, 1832. 

CHILD. 

1. Sullivan C, b. Feb. 30, 1836. 

ISAAC THAYER, son of Ferdinando ; married ^ Mercy 
Ward ; married '^Mary 1793. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary. 3. Ebenezer. 

2. Isaac. 4. Comfort. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 181 

5. Mary. 9. Samuel. 

6. John. 10. Joseph. 

7. Nathaniel. 11. Ichabod. 

8. Moses. 

JOSEPH THAYER, son of Isaac; married ^SARAH Bal- 
COME 1741 ; married ^ Rachel Richardson 1765. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Joseph. 5. Thaddeus. 

2. Rhoda. 6. George. 
•S. Sarah. Jl. Sarah, 2d. 

4. John. 8. Martha. 

9. Sophronia Assenith. 11. Zylphia, 
10. Isaac. 12. Lydia. 

JOHN THAYER, son of Joseph ; married Dacy Richardson 

1776. 

children. 

1. Sarah. 4. Joseph. 

2. Aurilla. 5. Phebe. 

3. John. 6. Marvel. 

SARAH, daughter of John, born 1777; married Ezekiel 
Wood Feb. 21, 1799. 

JOHN THAYER, Jr., son of John, born 1787; married 
Ruth Mowry Dec. 12, 1810. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mowry R., b. April 27, 1811 ; m. Morse. 

2. Stephen D., b. Dec. 26, 1813 ; m. Nichols. 

3. Arvilla, b. Aug, 9, 1816 ; m. Richardson. 

MOWRY R. THAYER, son of John, Jr., born 1811 ; married 
Harriet Morse May 1, 1838. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Chester M., b. Dec. 31, 1839 ; m. Brown. 

2. Lucy A., b. April 9, 1841. 

3. John R., b. March 9, 1845 ; m. Holmes. 



182 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHESTER M. THAYER, son of Mowiy R., born 1839 ; 
married Susan A. Brown Dec. 3, 1863. 

CHILD. 

1. Harriet Louise, b. Dec. 31, 1875. 

JOHN R. THAYER, Esq., son of Mowry R., born 1849 ; mar- 
ried Sara Charlotta Holmes Jan. 30, 1873. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Henry Perrin, b. Nov. 25, 1873. 

2. John Mowry, b. Jan. 4, 1876. 

STEPHEN D. THAYER, son of John, Jr., born 1813 ; mar- 
ried Lucy E. Nichols. 

CHILDREN. 

1. David Nichols, b. Dec. 10, 1844. 

2. John Mowry, b. March 16, 1847. 

3. Arvilla Richardson, b. Feb. 4, 1850. 

4. Charles Frederick, b. Nov. 6, 1852. 

ARVILLA R., daughter of Stephen D., born 1850 ; married 
George Thurston June 22, 1869. 

ARVILLA, daughter of John, Jr., born 1861 ; married Mowry 
Richardson Dec. 13, 1834. 

CHILDREN. 

1. John Thayer, b. July 4, 1836. 

2. Ruth Ann, b. March 20, 1843. 

3. Henry Chapin, b. March 9, 1858. 

JOSEPH THAYER, Esq., son of John, born 1790 ; married 
Chloe Taft, of Uxbridge, Sept. 3, 1818. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Sarah R., b. July 15, 1819 ; m. Chapin. 

2. Susan, b. April 15, 1821. 

3. Levi Lincoln, b. Nov. 10, 1825. 

4. Edward, b. May 10, 1830 ; m. . 

5. Louisa, b. Sept. 10, 1836 ; m. Chapin. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 183 

SARAH R., daughter of Joseph, bora 1819 ; married Hon. 
Henkt Chapin Oct. 7, 1839. 

CHILD. 

1. Henry, b. Sept. 10, 1847 ; d. July 2, 1848. 

LOUSIA A., daughter of Joseph, born 1836 ; married Hon. 
Henry Chapin May 23, 1871. 

PHEBE, daughter of John, h. 1792 ; ra. Benjamin Buffum 
1817. 

CHILD. 

1. Sarah, b. July 4, 1818. 

SARAH, daughter of Phebe, born 1818 ; married Thomas 
Buxton. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Phebe. 2. Elbridge. 3. Stephen. 

CAPT. MARVEL THAYER, son of John, married Lucinda 
Aldrich, of East Douglas, April 27, 1820. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Joseph Mowry, b. Nov. 17, 1821 ; m. Arnold. 

2. Chloe Taft, b. Sept. — , 1822 ; m. Brown. 

3. Sarah Smith, b. Feb. 20, 1825 ; m. Southwick. 

4. Lucinda, b. July 8, 1827 ; m. Southwick. 

,5. Diantha, b. Oct. 7, 1829 ; died young. 

^ 6. John Slater, b. May 18, 1832. 

JOSEPH M. THAYER, son of Captain Marvel, born 1821 ; 
married Prutia M. Arnold May, 1843. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Smith, b. Aug. 24, 1848 ; m. Brosto. 

2. Emergene, b. Dec. 11, 1852. 

3. John, b. Aug. — , 1855. 

4. Ellen b. Oct. 15, 1857. 

5. Emerline E., b. Oct. 18, 1861. 

SMITH THAYER, son of Joseph M., born 1848 ; married 
Mart Brosto March 18, 1874. 



184 HISTOEY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHLOE T., daughter of Captain Marvel, born 1822 ; married 
Smith Brown Jan. 1, 1838. 

CHILDBEN. 

1. Thomas E., b. Jan. 7, 1841. 

2. Harriet. 

3. Kate. 

4. Dana, b. April 28, 1849. 

5. Chloe S., b. 1850. 

SARAH S., daughter of Captain Marvel, born 1825; married 
Luke Southwick Dec. 20, 1846. 

CHILBKEN. 

1. Diantha A., b. April 13, 1847 ; d. Sept. 20, 1848. 

2. Elsie M., b. March 27, 1848 ; m. Arnold. 

3. Chloe F., b. March 31, 1850 ; m. Morrill. 

4. Marvel W., b. June 4, 1857. 

ELSIE M., daughter of Sarah S., born 1848 ; married Lyman 
T. Arnold Jan. 19, 1869. 

CHLOE F., daughter of Sarah S., born 1850 ; married Leroy 
D. Morrill Jan. 1, 1873. 

LUCINDA, daughter of Captain Marvel, born 1827 ; married 
LovELL Southwick April 4, 1853. 

CHILDREN. 

1. John, b. Dec. 26, 1854 ; d. Nov. 25, 1855. 

2. Manly, b. March 16, 1856 ; d. Sept. 12, 1865. 

3. Edward, b. Oct. 31, 1857 ; d. Aug. 20, 1858. 

4. WeUington, b. Oct. 15, 1859. 

5. Louisa, b. Feb. 22, 1864 ; died young. 

6. Ada May, b. Sept. 2, 1868 ; d. Sept. 28, 1868. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPAETMENT. 185 

GENEALOGY OF THE WALLIS FAMILY. 

CHILDREN OF THE FIRST GENERATION. 

BENJAMIN WALLIS, of Douglas, born 1723; died Dec. 
25, 1814 ; married Lydia Dudley, of Sutton, born 1728 ; died 
Oct. 23, 1820. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Lydia, b. Sept. 10, 1748 ; d. 1820 ; m. Josiah Humes. 

2. Benjamin, Jr., b. March 4, 17.51; d. Jan. 11, 1821; m. 

Sarah Thayer. 

3. David, b. Oct. 16, 1753 ; d. May 20, 1827 ; m. Bial Albee. 

4. Mercy, b. Feb. 12, 1756 ; d. Oct. 24, 1824 ; m. Capt. Ben. 

Dudley. 

5. Martha, m. Daniel Hunt. 

6. Samuel, b. June 12, 1758 ; d. Jan. 2, 1848 ; m. Hannah 

Dudle}'. 

7. James, b. Aug. 28, 1761; d. Aug. 24, 1845; m. Chloe 

Humes. 

8. Jonathan, b. Feb. 26, 1765 ; d. Feb. 28, 1765. 

9. Aaron, b. Sept. 12, 1768 ; d. Aug. 9, 1845 ; m. Prudence 

Aldrich. 
10. Peter, b. Jan. 22, 1770 ; d. Sept. 17, 1775. 

CHILDREN OF THE SECOND GENERATION. 

BENJAMIN WALLACE, Jr., first son of Benjamin and 
Lydia, b. March 4, 1751 ; married Sarah Thayer Feb. 17, 1777 ; 
died Feb. 25, 1838. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Lydia, b. Feb. 23, 1778 ; d. July 28, 1865 ; m. E. Mack- 

entire. 

2. Peter, b. Dec. 22, 1779 ; d. Oct. 29, 1846 ; married ^ Han- 

nah Hunt ; married ^ Lucy Woodbury. 

3. Benjamin, b. May 28, 1782 ; d. May 28, 1864 ; m. Annie 

Thayer. 

4. Sarah, b. July 10, 1785 ; d. March 1, 1819 ; m. Samuel 

Dudley. 



186 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

yo. Joseph, b. Sept. 24, 1788 ; d. Oct. 14, 1857 ; m. Prudence 
Wallis. 

6. Moses, li. March 17, 1793 ; d. Nov. 14, 1842. 

7. Rufus, b. Feb. 24, 1797 ; d. Oct. 22, 1853 ; m. MoUy Paine. 

DAVID WALLIS, 2d son of Benjamin and Lydia, born 1753 ; 
married Bial Albee, born 1756 ; died April 29, 1831. 

CHILDREN. ^ 

1. David, b. May 16, 1780 ; d. July 5, 1854 ; m. Sybil Balcome. 

2. Olive, b. Sept. 10, 1781 ; m. Ebenezer Cragin. 

3. Jonathan, b. Feb. 12, 1785 ; d. April 13, 1861 ; m. Polly 

Balcome. 

4. Willard, b. Dec. 10, 1787 ; d. Dec. 22, 1832 ; m. Joanna 

Walhs. 

5. Prudence, b. June 13, 1794 ; m. David Balcome. 

SAMUEL WALLIS, 3d son of Benjamin and Lydia; died 
Jan. 2, 1848 ; married Hannah Dudley Feb. 21, 1851. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. William, b. Feb. 2'0, 1784 ; d. Nov. 4, 1847 ; m. Lydia 

Dudley. 

2. Zylpha, b. Aug. 14, 1786 ; d. Oct 29, 1857 ; m. Ezra Morse. 

3. Samuel, b. May 16, 1789 ; d. Aug. 7, 1856. 

4. Timothy, b. Oct. 14, 1791 ; d. Aug. 17, 1850 ; m. Charlotte 

Balcome. 

5. Hannah, b. May 10, 1794 ; m. Fuller Marsh. 

6. Nancy, b. Feb. 17, 1797; d. Oct. 22, 1871; m. Alvah 

White. 

7. Polly, b. Feb. 12, 1800 ; d. Oct. 27, 1878. 

8. John, b. Feb. 29, 1802 ; d. Oct. 13, 1878 ; m. Mary A. 

Logee. 

9. Dudley, b. March 17, 1804; d. Jan. 17, 1876; m. Mary 

A. WaUis. 

10. Salem, b. Jan 2, 1808; m. ^ Cjaithia A. Hazelton ; m. 

^ Maria L. Flagg. 

11. Lorinda. b. Jan. 21, 1810. 

12. Julia, b. April 10, 1814; d. Nov. 14, 1842. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 187 

JAMES WALLIS, 4th son of Benjamin and Lydia, born 
1761 ; married Chloe Humes ; died July — , 1840. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Naham, b. July 30, 1781 ; d. Aug. 28, 1844, at Hardwick ; 

m. ^ Susanna Joslin ; married ^ Zylphia Turner. 

2. Ezra, b. Feb. ^3, 1783; d. July 20, 1849, at Webster; m. 

^ Debora Phipps ; married ~ Hannah . 

3. Martha, b. Sept. 3, 1785; d. Feb. 15, 1870, in Webster; 

m. Kingsbury. 

4. James, Jr., b. Dec. 18, 1789; d. Aug. 4, 1875, at Brook- 

field ; m. Nancy Kingsbury. 

5. Chloe, b. Dec. 31, 1799; d. Nov. 9, 1833, at Pelham; m. 

Hayden. 

6. Charlotte, b. June 8, 1802; d. March 8, 1850, at Pelham; 

m. Austin Conkey. 

AARON WALLIS, 6th son of Benjamin and Lydia, born 
1768 ; married Prudence Aldrich ; born July 7, 1769 ; died Aug. 
28, 1845. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Prudence, b. July 6, 1792; d. Oct. 13,1854; m. Joseph 

WaUis. 

2. Joanna, b. Feb. 2, 1796; d. Feb. 28, 1858; m. WiUard 

Wallis. 

3. Aaron A., b. Sept 16, 1799 ; d. June 11, 1845 ; m. ^ Aurilla 

Aldrich, ^ Submit Humes. 

4. Mercy, b. Feb. 23, 1807 ; m. James A. Prentice. 

MERCY, 2d daughter of Benjamin and Lydia Wallis, died 
Oct. 24, 1824 ; married Capt. Benjamin Dudley, died Oct. 24, 
1831. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Anna, m. Rich. 

2. Samuel, Jr., m. Sarah Wallis. 

3. Benjamin, d. Sept. 29, 1828; m. ^Polly Putnam, ^ Nye. 

4. Mercy, d. Feb. 27, 1871. 

5. Polly. 

6. Lydia, d. Feb. 18, 1852 ; m. Wm. Wallis. 

7. Martha, m. Putnam. 



188 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

MARTHA, 3d daughter of Benjamin and Lydia Wallis, mar- 
ried Daniel Hunt. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Lydia, removed to the West. 

2. Phebe, m. ^ Kinney, " Boyden. 

3. John, b. April 8, 1793 ; m. Huldah Knowlton. 

4. Hannah, b. 1796 ; d. Feb. 13, 1818 ; m. Peter Wallis. 

5. Patty, m. Royal Mann. 

6. Mary, b. Aug. 26, 1799 ; d. Jan. 2, 1875, at South Douglas, 

CHILDREN OF THE THIRD GENERATION. 

PETER WALLIS, 1st son of Benjamin and Sarah, born 1779 ; 
married ^Hannah Hunt of Douglas, died Feb. 13, 1818; mar- 
ried ^LucY Woodbury of Charlton, died April 15, 1819. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Peter H., b. March 22, 1814 ; d. June 9, 1876. 

2. Juha Ann, b. April 15, 1816 ; d. in infancy, 

3. Juha, m. Henry Sisson. 

4. Lucy, b. May 28, 1821 ; m. Daniel Tucker. 

5. Sarah, b. Jan. 15, 1824 ; d. 1853 ; m. Uranus Johnson. 

BENJAMIN WALLIS, 2d son of Benjamin and Sarah, born 
1782 ; married Anna Thayer. 

CHILD. 

1. Waldo. 

JOSEPH WALLIS, 3d son of Benjamin and Sarah, born 
1788 ; married Prudence Wallis April 23, 1811. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Dexter, b. Jan. 8, 1812 ; d. Sept. 16, 1852. 

2. Mason, b. June 24, 1814 ; d. Sept. 18, 1852. 

^. Harriet, b. Aug. 29, 1816 ; d. April 9, 1878; m. Elbridge 
G. Wallis. 

4. Joseph T., b. July 23, 1819 ; m. Harriet M. Thompson. 

5. Prudence, b. July 29, 1824 ; d. Sept. 11, 1854. 

6. Lydia, b. Aug. 11, 1827 ; d. July 14, 1857 ; m. Charles 

White. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 189 

7. George, b. Jan. 1, 1830 ; d. Dec. 1, 1830. 

8. Ira, b. April 5, 1832 ; m. Mary E. Young. 

9. Andrew J. , b. May 2, 1835 ; m. ^ Hattie M. Learned, ^ Mary 

M. Blair. 

MOSES WALLIS, 4tli son of Benjamin and Sarah, born 
1793 ; was never married, but adopted Elbridge G. (son of Samuel 
and Assenith Smith) , whose name was changed to Wallace. 

Elbridge G. Wallace married Harriet A. Wallis, daughter of 
Joseph and Prudence, Ma}' 6, 1846. 

RUFUS WALLIS, oth son of Benjamin and Sarah, born 
1797; married Molly Paine ; born April 22, 1802 ; died April 
29, 1867. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Stephen P., b. June 26, 1827 ; d. July 21, 1859. 

2. Benjamin G. ; m. ^ Elizabeth Paine ; m. ^ Amelie J. Mosie ; 

m. ^ Fanny Luke. 

3. Elmira, m. Simeon Staples. 

4. Mary A., m. Henry Morse. 

LYDIA, 1st daughter of Benjamin and Sarah, born 1797; 
married Alpheus Mackentire. 

CHILD. 

1. Lydia, d. March 4, 1869. 

SARAH, 2d daughter of Benjamin and Sarah, born 1785; 
married Samuel Dudley; published Feb. 3, 1805. 

children. 

1. Samuel, b. Dec. 24, 1805 ; d. Nov. 25, 1869 ; m. Alger. 

2. Sarah, b. Nov. 15, 1807. 

3. Azubah, b. Aug. 7, 1810; m. Oliver W. Adams, Jan. 4, 

1835. 

4. Benjamin, b. Nov. 7, 1(S13. 

5. Nelson, b. Oct. 16, 1816 ; m. Betsey Elliot. 

DAVID WALLIS, 1st son of David and Bial, born 1780; 
married Sybil Balcome, born 1781 ; married June 24, 1801. 



190 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Jesse, b. Nov. 22, 1803 ; d. Oct. 5, 18G1 ; m. ' S. Aldrich; 

m. ^ Catharine Thompson. 

2. Ebenezer, b. March 17, 1806 ; d. Feb. 21, 1878 ; m. Nancy 

Reed. 

3. Maria, b. April 28, 1812 ; married Jesse Morse. 

4. Da\id, b. Feb. 11, 1823; m. Susan Stearns. 

JONATHAN WALLIS, 2d son of David and Bial ; born 
1785 ; married Pollv Baloome, born Jan. 19, 1792. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary Ann, b. Feb. 13, 1814 ; d. Sept. 3, 1875 ; m. ' Free- 

man Bigelow ; m. ^ Dudley Wallis. 

2. Nelson, b. Aug. 26, 1816 ; d. Nov. 19, 1841. 

3. Elmira, b. 1828 ; d. Feb. 28, 1829. 

WILLARD WALLIS, 3d son of David and Bial; died Dec. 
23, 1832 ; married Jonanna Wallis Nov. 26, 1815 ; died Feb. 

28, 1858 

- CHILDREN. 

1. Phebe, m. Marvel Prentice. 

2. Mary, b. April 12, 1822 ; d. Aug. 19, 1875 ; m. William 

A. Dudley. 

OLIVE, 1st daughter of David and Bial ; born 1781 ; married 
Ebenezer Craggin. 

children. 

1. Elmira, m. Isaac Murphy. 

2. Willard, d. 3^oung. 

3. Prudence, d. young. 

4. Luther T., m. Betsey Aldrich. 

5. Benjamin, m. — . 

6. Cynthia, m. Learned. 

PRUDENCE, 2d daughter of David and Bial, born 1794 ; mar- 
ried David Balcome, killed by the falling of a tree Dec. 6, 1838. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 191 

CHILDREN. 

1. Fcanny J., b. June 6, 1815. 

2. Prudeuce, b. March 29, 1828 ; m. Levi Fitts. 

3. Willard W., b. March 4, 1831 ; m. Betsy Clark. 

4. WelUngtou, b. Feb. 27, 1833 ; m. Vashti Hodgkins. 

WILLIAM WALLIS, 1st son of Samuel and Hannah, born 
1784 ; married Lydia Dudley Nov. 29, 1810 ; died Feb. 18, 1852. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Frederick, b. April 19, 1816 ; m. Phebe Adams. 

2. Lydia, b. May 31, 1821 ; m. William J. Wellman. 

TIMOTHY WALLIS, 3d son of Samuel and Hannah, born 
1791 ; married Chaklotte Balcome Nov. 28, 1818 ; died Dec. 
8, 1863. 

CHILD. 

1. Nancy A., b. 1821 ; d. Jan. 2, 1846 ; m. Linus Young. 

JOHN WALLIS, 4th son of Samuel and Hannah, born 1802 ; 
married Mary Ann Logee April 24, 1834 ; born July 30, 1810. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Laura A., b. Jan. 15, 1832. 

2. Mary L., b. Nov. 15, 1834 ; d. Aug. 24, 1837. 

3. George M., b. Aug. 6, 1836. 

4. John W., b July 30, 1846 ; d. Aug. 7, 1848. 

5. Henry D., b. July 28, 1850. 

SALEM WALLIS, 6th son of Samuel and Hannah, born 1808 ; 

married ^ Cynthia Ann Hazelton Oct. 29, 1840 ; married -Maria 

L. Flagg. 

No children hj first wife. 

child. 

1. Cynthia, b. Jan. 21, 1849 ; m. Wm. Church. 

ZYLPHIA, 1st daughter of Samuel and Hannah, died Oct. 29, 
1857 ; married Ezra Morse Aug. 20, 1807 ; died Jan. 28, 1853. 



192 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Hannah, b. Dec. 9, 1807 ; m. Nelson Potter Dec. 8, 1830. 

2. Submit, b. April 17, 181 1 ; m. Nelson Potter Sept. 10, 1834. 

3. Sally, b. July 22, 1813 ; m. Ebenezer Tuttle April 27, 1839. 

4. Harriet, b. Jan. 10, 1816; m. Reuben Yeats. 

5. John W., b. Jan. 11, 1820 ; m. Huldah White. 

6. Brigham, b, June 1, 1822; ni. ^ Sarah Lawrence, ^ Maria 

L. Humes. 

7. Samuel, b. Sept. 3, 1825 ; d. Aug. 26, 1857. 

8. Ezra, b. Nov. 7, 1827; m. Marion Smith. 

9. Henry, b. April 4, 1832 ; m. Mary Wallis. 

HANNAH, 2d daughter of Samuel and Hannah, born 1794; 
married Fuller Marsh Dec. 4, 1814; born Nov. 3, 1789; died 
May 30, 1839. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Judson, b. Oct. 22, 1816; m. Sarah M. Jepherson April 1, 

1841. 

2. Thomas, b. April 19, 1831 ; resides in Minnesota. 

NANCY, 3d daughter of Samuel and Hannah, died Oct. 22, 
1871 ; married Alvah White, died Sept. 2, 1846. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Danforth, d. in Lancaster, Pa. 

2. Mary A., married ^ Elijah Bigelow ; married ^ Weeks ; 

d. May 20, 1821. 

3. Dandrich, resides in Pennsylvania. 

4. Nelson, d. in Waltham ; m. Mary Green. 

5. Howard, d. in Nebraska ; m. Sophia Remly. 

6. Julia Ann, m. Silas Dudley. 

NAHUM WALLIS, 1st son of James and Chloe, died Aug. 
28, 1844 ; married ^ Susanna Joslyn ; married ^ Zylphia. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Maria. 

2. Nahum, Jr., resides in Otter River, Mass. 

3. Toba, resides in Pi'ovidence, R. I. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 193 

4. Brigiiam, resides in Ashbnrnham. 

5. James. 

6. Eaiie. 

7. Mary, resides in Gardiner, Mass. 
H. Frances, resides in Meriden, Conn. 
i). Franklin, resides in Orange, Mass. 

10. Anstin, resides in Worcester, Mass. 

11. Sumner, resides in Worcester, Mass. 

12. Hattie, resides in Worcester, Mass. 

EZRA WALLIS, 2d son of James and Cliloe, died July 20, 
1849 ; married ^ Deborah Phillips ; married ^ Haxxah Kawson, 
of Norwich, Conn. 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Celestia, m. Wilder. 

2. Martha. 

JAMES WALLIS, Jr., 3d son of James and Chloe, died 
Aug. 4, 1875 ; married Nancy Kingsbury. 

CHILDREN. 

1. .hiha Ann, b. March 16, 1815; d. Oct. 2G, 1820. 

2. Laura K., b. Jan. 11, 1821 ; m. L. H. Thompson. 

MARTHA, 1st daughter of James and Chloe, died Feb. 15, 
1870 ; married Joseph Kingsbury. 

CHILDREN. 

1. David, resides in Chicago, III. 

2. Joseph, resides in Webster, Mass. 

3. Lucy. 

CHLOE, 2d daughter of James and Chloe, died Nov. 9, 1833 ; 
married Hayden, of Pelham, 

CHILDREN.- 

1. Charles. 

2. Caroline. 

3. Josephine, d. in Worcester ; m. Rice. 

4. Milo. 

13 



194 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHARLOTTE, 3d daughter of James and Chloe ; married 
Austin Conkey; died March 8, 1850. 

Four children. 

AARON A. WALLIS, onl}^ son of Aaron and Prudence, born 
1799; married ^ Aurilla Aldrich Sept. 26, 1824, died May 22, 
1826; ' Submit Humes Nov. 14, 1832, born June 30, 1807, died 
Aug. 5, 1865. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Aurilla, b. May 22, 1826 ; d. Nov. 12, 1838. 

2. Miltou, b. July 3, 1833 ; d. Sept. 29, 1836. 

3. Marcus M., b. April 14, 1837, resides in Casey, Iowa; m. 

Lola A. Cook. 

4. Luretta, b. March 1, 1839. 

5. Mary A. Webster, b. Sept. 1, 1841 ; in. Otis M. Clark. 

MERCY, 3d daughter of Aaron and Prudence, born 1807; 
married James A. Prentice April 3, 1832. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Lusatia, b. May 21, 1837 ; d. Jan., 1838. 

2. George Wallis, b. Jan. 29, 1839. 

3. Marietta, b. Oct., 1841 ; d. Sept., 1843. 

4. Altha L., b. Dec, 1842; d. 1843. 

5. Elton A., b. 1847; d. Sept., 1849. 

6. Luther Q., b. July, 1850; m. Tellotson, March, 1871. 



CHILDREN OF THE FOURTH GENERATION. 

LUCY W., 1st daughter of Peter and Luc}^, born 1821 ; mar- 
ried Samuel H. Tucker Sept. 11, 1843. .1 

CHILDREN. 

1. Jonas W., Downer Grove, lEinois; m. Isabella Hammond 

Oct. 15, 1872. 

2. Mary L., m. Jason West, March, 1867. 

3. Julia S., m. Albert R. Jones, Oct. 8, 1873. 

4. Frank D., West Sutton; m. Mary A. Bullard Jan. 2, 1878. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 195 

5. Hattie E., Dudley; m. Abel Marsh, Nov. 21, 1877. 

6. Sarah A. 

7. Martha A. 

8. George N. 

9. Ellen L. 

SARAH, 2d daughter of Peter and Lucy Wallis, born 1824; 
married Uranus Johnson. 

CHILDEEN. 

1. Henr3\ 

2. Sarah, m. Putnam. 

JOSEPH T. WALLIS, 3d son of Joseph and Prudence, born 
1819; married Harriet M. Thompson Jan. 2, 1856. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Orissa A., b. Nov. 18, 1856. 

2. Willie K, b. Sept. 8, 1860. 

IRA WALLIS, 4th son of Joseph and Prudence, born 1832; 
married Mary E. Young Aug. 12, 1863. 

CHILD. 

1. Charles Edson, b. July 30, 1864. 

ANDREW J. WALLIS, 5th son of Joseph and Prudence, 
born 1835; married ^ Hattie N. Learned June 20, 1858; married 
2 Mary M. Blair, of Maine, May 11, 1875. 

CHILD. 

1. Lillia M., b. Jan. 14, 1867 ; d. June 18, 1867. 

HARRIET A., 1st daughter of Joseph and Prudence, born 
1816 ; married Elbridge G. Wallis May 6, 1846. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Munro M., b. June 4, 1849. 

2. Ellen F., b. Aug. 24, 1850; m. W. L. Reynolds Oct. 4, 

1871. 

3. Sarah J., b. Sept. 26, 1852 ; m. Bowers Davis. 

LYDIA, 3d daughter of Joseph and Prudence, born 1827 ; 
married Charles White March 26, 1856. 



196 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

CHILD. 

1. Sarah Ellen, b. April 11, 1857. 

BENJAMIN G. WALLIS, 2cl sou of Rufus and Molly; 
married 'Elizabeth Paine; married "^Amelia J. Mosie ; mar- 
ried ^ Fanny Metcalf. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Charles Henry, b. Feb. 25, 1855. 

2. Frank D., h. Aug. 21, 1857. 

3. One child; d. in infancy. 

ELMIRA, 1st daughter of Rufus aud Molly ; married Simeon 
Staples. 

CHILD. 

1. One daughter; d. in infancy. 

MARY A . , 2d daughter of Rufus and Molly ; married Henry 
Morse June 5, 1854. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Fred. ' 3. Josie. 

2. Willie. 4. Eddie. 

JESSE WALLIS, 1st son of David and Sybil, born 1803 ; 
married ' S. Aldrich March 3, 1833 ; married ^ Catherine Thomp- 
son July 15, 1852. 

CHILD. 

1. Harriet M., b. May 23, 1853 ; m. Benson. 

EBENEZER WALLIS, 2d son of David and Sybil, born 
1806 ; married Nancy Reed Oct. 18, 1827. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Laura Ann, m. John Esten July 1, 1847. 

2. Elmira, m. C. M. Sprague Nov. 1, 1849. 

DAVID WALLIS, 3d son of David and Sybil; married 
Susan Stearns. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 197 

CHILDEEN. 

1. S^^bil Maria, h. May 27, 1843 ; d. Oct. 27, 1846. 

2. Susan S., b. May 28, 1845; d. Sept. 28, 1849. 

3. David A. E., b. Feb. 24, 1854. 

PHEBE, 1st daughter of Willard and Joanna; married 
Marvel Prentice Jan., 1841. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary D., b. Aug. 11, 1842. 

2. Willard W., b. Aug. 2, 1845. 

3. Newton, b. Oct., 1847; d. Aug., 1849. 

MARY, 2d daughter of Willard and Joan, born 1822 ; mar- 
ried William A. Dudley Nov. 20, 1844. 

FREDERICK WALLIS, son of WiUiam and Lydia, born 
1816 ; married Phebe Adams. 

children. 

1. Sarah, b. Aug. 24, 1842 ; m. Parker. 

2. Mary E., b. July 3, 1847 ; d. Sept. 15, 1852. 

3. Emma, b. March, 1848 ; d. Aug. 31, 1877 ; m. Arnold. 

LYDIA, daughter of WilUam and L3'dia, born 1821 ; married 
William J. Wellman May 4, 1843. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Frances. 

2. William H., b. Nov. 2, 1853 ; m. Smith. 

3. Mary C. 

NANCY A., daughter of Timothy and Charlotte, born 1821 ; 
married Linus Young June 22, 1842. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary E., b, Oct. 29, 1843 ; m. Ira Wallis. 

2. Nancy A., d. Sept. 20, 1846. 

CYNTHIA, daughter of Salem and Maria, born 1849 ; mar- 
ried William Church. 



198 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS, 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Louise Wallis, b. Nov. 22, 1875. 

2. Harold WilHam, b. Sept. 10, 1877. 

LAURA K., daughter of James and Nancy, born 1821 ; mar- 
ried L. H. Thompson Jan. 14, 1841. 

CHII.D. 

1. Laura Augusta, m. David S. Lawrence. 



CHILDREN OF THE FIFTH GENERATION. 

HARRIET M., daughter of Jesse and Catharine Wallis, 
married Major Benson May 13, 1872. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Katie Mabel, b. Oct. 20, 1873. 

2. Eva May, b. Oct. 7, 1875. 

3. WilUe M., b. Dec. 2, 1877. 

LAURA ANN, 1st daughter of Nancy and Ebenezer Walhs ; 
married John Esten July 1, 1847. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Juliette. 

2. Dora. 

SARAH JANE, 2d daughter of Elbridge G. and Harriet 
Wallis ; married Bowers Davis June 10, 1877. 

CHILD. 

1. Harriet W. 

SARAH, 1st daughter of Frederick and Phebe Wallis ; mar- 
ried George Parker. 

children. 

1. Mary A., b. Aug. 15, 1858. 

2. LydiaM., b. July 6, 1860. 

EMMA, 2d daughter of Frederick and Phebe Wallis ; married 
Joseph T. Arnold. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 199 

MARCUS M. WALLIS, son of Aaron and Submit; married 
Lola A. Cook, of Casey, Iowa, July 24, 1872. 

CHII/DBEN. 

1. Frank L., b. March 26, 1873. 

2. Arthur C, b. Aug. 18, 1875. 

3. Maud E., b. March 20, 1877. 

MARY A., daughter of Aaron and Submit Wallis ; married 
Otis N. Clark, of Webster, Jan. 1, 1864. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Carrie E., b. March 9, 1866. 

2. Arthur M., b. May 29, 1868. 

3. Jennie M., b. Oct. 20, 1874. 



GENEALOGY OF THE WHIPPLE FAMILY. 

JOHN" WHIPPLE was born 1716. He lived in the town of 
Smithfield. His wife's name was Sarah , born 1720. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Sarah. 5. Daniel. 

2. Christopher. 6. Phebe. 

3. John. 7. Amy. 

4. Anna. 8. Abigail. 

JOHN WHIPPLE, son of John, born 1748 ; died April 7, 
1836 ; married Eunice Ellis May 24, 1770 ; died April 11, 1845. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Welcome, b. Sept. 12, 1772 ; d. Nov. 18, 1852. 

2. Oliver, b. July 12, 1775. 

3. Jabez E., b. March 18, 1779. 

4. Nancy, b. AprU 27, 1781. 

5. John, b. Dec. 31, 1783. 

6. Martin, b. Dec. 17, 1786. 



200 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

WELCOME WHIPPLE, son of John, born 1772; married 
Amy Whipple, born Sept. 7, 1773 ; married 1796 ; died Nov. 18, 
1851. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Milton D., b. Dec. 3, 1797 ; m. Lxicy Perry Jan. 1, 1822. 

2. Virgil, b. May 20, 1799 ; d. Jan. 13, 1835. 

3. Cullen, b. Sept. 4, 1801. 

4. Justin B., b. July 6, 1803 ; m. Packard. 

5. Mary Ann, b. Sept. 24, 1806 ; m. Sprague. 

6. Homer B., b. June 12, 1808 ; m. — Emerson. 

7. Dryden E., b. March 14, 1811 ; d. Aug. 9, 1811. 

8. Ardalissa, b. Sept. 17. 1813; m. Norbury. 

MILTON D. WHIPPLE, son of Welcome, born 1797; mar- 
ried Lucy Perry Jan. 1, 1822. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Lyman W., b. Dec. 19, 1824; m. ^ Lane; m. 

^ Markman. 

2. Lucy A., b. Feb. 12, 1832 ; m. Town. 

3. Randall M., b. March 12, 1835 ; d. Sept. 5, 1873. 

LYMAN W. WHIPPLE, son of Milton D., born 1824; mar- 
ried ^ Meribah E. Lane Dec. 19, 1857 ; married ^Carrie Mark- 
man. 

LUCY A., daughter of Milton D., born 1832 ; married Hora- 
tio Town Dec. 3, 1856. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Frank, d. in infancy. 

2. Carrie, d. in infancy. 

3. Lucy, d. in infancy. 

VIRGIL WHIPPLE, son. of Welcome, born 1799; married 
Almira Spkague July 10, 1823 ; born May 4, 1803. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Eliza Ann, b. Nov. 22, 1823 ; d. Nov. 17, 1832. 

2. Amy Angeline, b. June 1, 1828 ; d. Jan. 7, 1833. 

CULLEN WHIPPLE, son of Welcome, born 1801 ; married 
^ Philinda Sprague April 1, 1824; married ^Mary Viall. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 201 

CHILDREN. 

1. Angeliue, b. March 13, 1833 ; m. William H. Shattuek. 

2. George Cullen, b. Sept. 17, 1843 ; d. Oct. 31, 1875. 

3. Walter Scott, b. July 16, 1849 ; d. March 5, 1873. 

JUSTIN B. WHIPPLE, son of Welcome, born 1803 ; mar- 
ried LucETTA Packard April 26, 1827. 

CHILDBEN. 

1. James P., b. March 16, 1828 ; d. May 8, 1828. 

2. Henry O., b. March 26, 1830; d. Jan. 5, 1878; m. 

— — Choron. 

3. Charles A., b. July 13, 1832; m. Belden. 

HENRY O. WHIPPLE, son of Justin B., born 1830 ; mar- 
ried OcTAviA R. Choeon Aug. 20, 1867. 

CHARLES A. WHIPPLE, son of Justin B., born 1832; 
married Clakinda Belden Aug. 25, 1852. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Adella, b. June 18, 1853. 

2. Elwin F., b. Feb. 20, 1857. 

3. Inez E., b. March 9, 1867. 

ADELLA E., daughter of Charles A., born 1853; married 
Walter M. Adams, in East Douglas, Sept. 8, 1872. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Edna May, b. Dec. 1, 1874. 

2. Ethel L., b. Nov. 12, 1876. 

MARY ANN, daughter of Welcome ; married Jonathan 
Sprague Oct. 17, 1826. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Welcome W., b. Feb. 16, 1828-; m. Rawson. 

2. Homer B., b. Oct. 19, 1829 ; m. Pardee. 

3. Frances M., b. Sept. 13, 1831 ; m. Morse. 

4. Charles A., b. Feb. 24, 1834 ; m. Pattison. 

5. Solon S., b. March 5, 1836 ; m Stevens. 



202 HISTOEY OF DOUGLAS. 

6. Mary Ann, b. Feb. 8, 1838 ; d. Sept. 20, 1864 ; m. 

Day. 

7. J. Almoran, b. May 20, 1844 ; d. Sept. 18, 1864. 

8. Flora Emma, b. Feb. 5, 1847 ; m. Prentice. 

9. PMlinda, b. Feb. 24, 1849 ; d. Feb. 28, 1850. 

WELCOME W. SPRAGUE, son of Mary Ann, born 1828 ; 
married Mary T. Rawson July 1, 1846. 

CHILDEEN. 

1. Frederick. , 2. Homer Baxter. 

PROF. HOMER B. SPRAGUE, son of Mary Ann, born 
1829 ; married ANTonsfETTE E. Pardee Dec. 28, 1854. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Charles Homer, b. July 21, 1856 ; m. Jennie S. Starbuck 

Aug. 11, 1877. 

2. Sarah Antoinette, b. Dec. 24, 1858. 

3. WiUiam Pardee, b. June 24, 1860. 

4. Goldwin Smith, b. Oct. 17, 1869. 

FRANCES M., daughter of Mary Ann, born 1831 ; married 
Mason Morse Nov. 14, 1850. 

children. 

1. Scotto. 3. Frank. 

2. Charles Augustus. 

SCOTTO MORSE, son of Frances M. ; married Harriet 

Jones. 

children. 

1. Harriet. 3. Harlan Jason. 

2. Lulu. 

CHARLES A. SPRAGUE, son of Mary Ann, born 1834 ; 
married Sarah M. Pattison May 17, 1860. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Carrie. 2. AKce May. 

SOLON S. SPRAGUE, son of Mary Ann, born 1836; mar- 
ried Caroline E. Stevens Nov. 16, 1863. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 203 

CHILDKEN. 

1. Walter, m. Augustus Coates, 

2. Adaline Estella. 

3 . Ale ck Almoran . 

FLORA EMMA, daughter of Mary Ann, born 1847 ; married 
1 Byron Prentice Sept U, 1864; married ' Harding Allen, Jr., 
Nov. 22, 1870. 

CHILD. 

1. Frances May Prentice. 

MARY ANN, daughter of Mary Ann, born 1838 ; married 
Daniel P. Day Jan. 3, 1856. 

HOMER B. WHIPPLE, son of Welcome, born 1808; mar- 
ried Prudence Emerson Sept. 15, 1831. 

CHILD, 

1. Ida Isabel, b. Oct. 31, 1848 ; m. Selby. 

IDA ISABEL, daughter of Homer B., born 1848; married 

William Z. Selby. 

children. 

1. Homer J., b. Feb. 18, 1869. 

2. Carrie Bell, b. July 13, 1871. 

3. Ella Elizabeth. 

ARDALISSA, daughter of Welcome, born 1813 ; married 
Benson Norbury Dec. 16, 1851. 

CHILD. 

1. Frederick, b. June, 1854; d. Aug., 1854. 

JOHN WHIPPLE, son of John, born 1748; married Patty 
Sibley Sept. 18, 1805 ; born 1785. 

CHILDREN. . 

1. Amanda, b. Feb. 14, 1806. 

2. Rachel, b. March 9, 1810. 

3. Dexter, b. April 24, 1816. 

4. McDonough T., b. Oct. 19, 1818. 



204 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

AMANDA, daughter of John, born 1806 ; married Orrin 
Packard Oct., 1828. 

CHILD. 

1. Carohne A., b. Dec. 1, 1828; m. Gardner. 

CAROLINE, daughter of Amanda, born 1829 ; married Wm. 
Gardner May 29, 1851. 

RACHEL, born 1810; married Willard TaftNov. 11, 1830. 

DEXTER WHIPPLE, son of John, born 1816 ; married ' Cak- 
OLiNE Stone Nov. 30, 1837 ; married ^Prudence Pakk Aug. 23, 

1877. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary E., b. June 1, 1839 ; d. July 4, 1839. 

2. Juliette A., b. Dec. 19, 1840; m. Keyes. 

3. Lucius S., b. May 19, 1843 ; m. ' Whitney, ^ Pitts. 

4. Julius D., b. May 3, 1847. 

JULIETTE A., daughter of Dexter, born 1840; married 
Charles G. Keyes, Esq., Nov. 6, 1860 

CHILDREN. 

1. Charles Dexter, b. June 7, 1864. 

2. Carrie Edith, b. June o, 1868 ; d. Dec. 24, 1872. 

3. May Juhette, b. May 14, 1872; d. Jan. 4, 1873. 

LUCIUS S. WHIPPLE, son of Dexter, born 1843; married 
1 Harriet Whitney Oct. 8, 1867 ; married ^ Maria W. Pitts Dec. 
16, 1873. 

CHILD. 

1. Annie W., b. March 27, 1870. 

McDONOUGH T. WHIPPLE, sou of John, born 1818; 
married Mary B. Taft Feb. 8, 1842. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Francis D., b. Oct. 23, 1842 ; m. ' Hill ; m. 

Rogers. 

2. John B., b. March 10, 1848 ; m. Taft. 

3. Amanda L., b. March 15, 1852 , m. Putnam. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 205 

FRANCIS D. WHIPPLE, son of McDonoughT., born 1842; 
married ^ Isabella Hill Oct. 1, 1863; died Jnly 19, 1865; mar- 
ried ^ Emma T. Rogers April 8, 1866. 

CHILDBEJSr. 

1. WilUam McDonougli, h. Nov. 25, 1867; d. April 20, 1876. 

2. Mary Isabella, b. May 5, 1871. 

JOHN B. WHIPPLE, son of McDouough T., born 1848; 
married Martha J. Taft, of Blackstone, Sept. 2, 1868. 

CHILD. 

1. Martha Louise, b. March 10, 1878. 

AMANDA L., daughter of McDonough T., born 1.S52 ; mar- 
ried J. Hall Putnam Dec. 13, 1871 ; born Feb. 8, 1849. 

CHILD. 

1. Millia, b. June 30, 1874 ; d. Sept. 23, 1874. 

MARTIN WHIPPLE, 5th son of John Whipple, 2d, was a 
boat-builder b}' trade. When a young man he went to Boston 
from his home in Sutton, to transact business, and was never 
heard from afterwards. 



GENEALOGY OF THE STONE FAMILY. 

DESCENDANTS OF xVRCHELAUS STONE. 

ARCHELAUS STONE, of East Douglas, died Jan. 1, 1856; 
married Rhoda Tiffany May 29, 1814. 

CHILDREN. 

1. ^Almira. 

2. Caroline, b. April 7, 1817; d. July 14, 1876; m. 

Whipple. 

3. Julia A., b. Dec. 29, 1818 ; m. Emmons. 

4. David, b. Oct. 2, 1820; m. ^ Kimpton ; m. 

Knapp ; m. ^ Gre^. 

5. Edwin, b. May 15, 1822 ; m. Town. 



206 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

6. 'Almira, b. May 8, 1824 ; m. Huse. 

7. William, b. May 27, 1826 ; m. Ward. 

8. Etherlinda, b. May 14, 1828 ; m. Collar. 

9. Frances, b. March 29, 1830. 

10. Sarah A., b. Feb. 15, 1832 ; m. Stone. 

11. Anjenette, b. Oct. 21, 1834; d. Dec. 14, 1856; m. 

Clark. 

12. George Henry, b. Sept. 23, 1837 ; d. Dec. 5, 1847. 

CAROLINE, daughterofArchelaus, born 1817; married Dex- 
ter Whipple Nov. 30, 1837. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary E. 3. Lucius S. 

2. Juliette A. 4. JuUus D. 

See Whipple Genealogy. 

JULIA A., daughter of Archelaus, born 1818; married Nel- 
son Emmons Oct. 28, 1847. 

CHILD. 

1. Emma A., m. Alphouso Luther. 
See Hunt Genealogy. ' 

DAVID STONE, son of Archelaus, born 1820 ; married ^ Eliza 

KiMPTON Aug. 15, 1843, died Feb. 5, 1846; married ^ Fanny 

Knapp Sept. 2, 1846, died Jan. 23, 1855; married ^DoraC. 

Grey. 

children. 

1. Burnette Eliza, b. July 23, 1844; m. Moore. 

2. Louis Herbert, b. May 1, 1850. 

3. David. 

EDWIN STONE, son of Archelaus, born 1822 ; married 
Mary Ann Town Jan. 24, 1847. 

CHILD. 

1. Mary Ellen, m. ^ Hiram Cresman ; m. . 

ALMIRA, 2d daughter of Archelaus, born 1824 ; married 
Geo. W. Huse March 27, 1845. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 207 

CHILD, 

1. Charles H., b. Aug. 7, 1856. 

WILLIAM STONE, sou of Archelaus, bom 1826 ; married 
RuTHEM Ward, of Oppeuheiui, New York. 

CHILDREN. 

1. William Heuiy, b. Nov. 17, 1859. 

2. Angeuette E., b. April 12, 1862. 

ETHERLIND A, daughter of Archelaus, born 1828 ; married 
John Coller July 7, 1846 ; born May 5, 1822. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Mary Elizabeth, b. March 16, 1847; m. Moore. 

2. George Henry, b. Nov. .7, 1855. 

MARY ELIZABETH, daughter of Etherlinda, born 1847 ; 
married Wm. H. Moore June 2, 1870. 

CHILD.^ 

1. Helen Paulene, b. Aug. 18, 1872. 

SARAH A., daughter of Archelaus, born 1832 ; married 
Archelaus H. Stone Nov. 4, 1851. 

CHILD. 

1. Carrie, b 1855 ; ui. Irving Holden Nov. 13, 1878. 

ANJENETTE, daughter of Archelaus, born 1834; married 
Rev. Wm. C. Clark March 24, 1852 ; died Dec. 14, 1856. 
No children. 



CHAPTER XV. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL CONTINUED. 



KAWSON FA3IIL,Y. 

I BEAUTIFUL volume, entitled "The Raw- 
son Famil}' Memorial." gives us the fol- 
lowing genealogical table of the Rawson 
family. The work bears the name of E. B- 
Crane : 

^ Edward Rawson, so far as has been 
ascertained, was the progenitor of all bear- 
ing the name of Rawson in the United 
States, with two exceptions. The first, 
James Rawson, A. M., M. D., a Methodist 
Ejsiscopal clergyman, who came to this countr}' from England in 
1832, and is supposed to have died in Virginia Aug. 26, 1854 ; 
the second came to the United States about 1840, and settled at 
Utica, N. Y. His grand-parents still reside in England. 




FIRST GENERATION. 



1 EDWARD RAWSON, of England, born April 16, 1615 
married Rachel Perne. 

CHILDREN. 

, a daughter. 



1. 

2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 



Edward. 

Rachel B., m. William Aubrey. 

David, b. May 6, 1644. 

Mary Perne, b. May 14 or 16, l^AB ; m. Rev. Sam'lTorrey 



May 15, 1657. vy^aX^ 



'\r- 



,^K 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 209 

6. Susan D., d. 1654. 

7. William, b. May 21, 1651 ; m. Anne Glover July 11, 1673. 

8. Rebecca, b. Oct. 19, 1656; d. young. 

y. Kebecca, b. May 23, 165G ; m. Thomas Ramse3\ 

10. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 12, 1657; m. Thos. Brougham, of 

Boston . 

11. John, went to England. 

12. Grindal, b. Jan. 23, 1659; m. Susanna Wilson Feb. 6, 

1715. 

GRINDAL RAWSON, 2d; married Susanna Wilson; d. 
Feb. 6, 1715. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Edward, d. Nov. 21, 1683. 

2. Edward, b. 1684 ; d. Nov. 21, 1688. 

3. John, b. April 26, 1685 ; d. May 26, 1685. 

4. Susanna, b. Oct. 31, 1686; m. Benj. Rej^nolds 1719. 

5. Edmund, b. July 8, 1689 ; in. Elizabeth Howard. 

6. Wilson, b. June 23, 1692 ; m, Margaret Arthur. 

7. John, b. Oct. 1, 1695 ; in. Mercy Hayward. 

8. Mary, b. June 22, 1699 ; m. Joseph Dorr. 

9. Rachel, b. Sept. 6, 1701 ; m. Sam'l Wood. 

10. David, b. Oct. 25, 1703; d. Jan. 18, 1704. 

11. Grindal, b. Sept. 6, 1707 ; m. Dorothy Chauncey. 

12. Elizabeth, b. April 21, 1710; m. ^ Abner Hazeltine ; m. 

^ James Wood. 

EDMUND RAWSON, 3d sou of Grindal; married Elizabeth 

HOWAKD. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Edmund, b. Aug. 15, 1718 ; in. Martha Allen. 

2. Abner, b. April 24, 1721 ; in. Mary Allen. 

3. Nathan, b. Aug. 4, 1724; m. ^ Mary White; m. -Mary 

Chase. 

ABNER RAWSON, son of Edmund, born 1721 ;''married 

Maky Allen. 

children. 

1. Silas, b. July 26, 1746 ; m. Sarah Draper. 

2. Timothy, b. Oct. 20, 1747 ; m. Chloe Fish. 

3. Rhoda, b. Oct. 4, 1749 ; m. Aaron Taft. 

14 



210 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

SILAS RAWSON. son of Abner. born 1746; married Sarah 
Draper, of Uxbridge. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Charles, b. Oct. 29, 1768. 

2. Mercy, b. Nov. 20, 1770 ; m Josiali G. White. 

3. Milley. b. Dec. 23, 1772 ; d. March 8, 1858. 

4. Simon, b. April 9, 1775. 

SIMON RAWSON; married ' Lavina Bkown ; married 

* Nabby Putnam. 

children. 

1. Silas, b. March 24, 1802. 

2. Lavina. b. June 24, 1807; d. Oct. 10. 1828. 

5. Charles B , b. Dec. 18, 1810. 
4. Simon, b. April 3. 1812. 

Simon Kawson was Captain of the militia, and enlisted in the 
war of 1812. He died June 16, 1856. 

SIMON KAWSON, sou of Simon ; married Roxellana Ald- 
Ricii May 15, 1836 ; died Sept. 6, 1877. 

OHILDREX. 

1. John A., b. July 1. 1837 ; d. Feb. 5, 1840. 

2. Simon P.. b. Aug. 27, 1838. 

3. Charles F., b. Nov. 2, 1839. 

4. John M., b. May 15, 1842. 

5. Laura L.. b. July 5, 1847. 

6. Levi B., b. Feb. 6, 1860. 

SIMON P. RAWSON. born 1838 ; married ^SARAIT A. Ska- 
graves Jan. 1, 1860; married '^L YD I A E. Whitney. 

CHILDREN. 

1. Estella M., b. Feb. 20, 1862. 

2. Emma J., b. Aug. 25, 1864. 

3. Oscar B., b. Sept. 14, 1870. 

4. Minnie. 

CHARLES F. RAWSON, son of Simon, born 1839 ; mar- 
ried Joanna White, of Douglas, March 30, 1865. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL CONTINUED. 211 

CHILDBEN^. 

1. Frank Ellsworth, b. June 26, 1869 ; d. Aug 26, 1869. 

2. Arthur Edward, b. Feb. 4, 1874. 

JOHN M. RAWSON, born 1842 ; married Zilpiia M. Pot- 
ter, of Douglas, March 6, 1838. 



WALLIS FA3IILY. 

CAPT. BENJAMIN ^YALLIS. The first by the name of Wal- 
lis who settled in this town came from Seekonk. He was of Scotch 
descent, and located himself in the westerh* part of the town, on 
the place now owned b}' Elbridge G. Walhs, about the year 1750, 
he being then some twenty-seven years of age. His log cabin 
stood on the site of the present house. Soon after this he married 
ii lady from Sutton, named Lydia Dudley. 

Captain Wallis was a man well known in this section. He was 
prominent in town affairs, having been for eighteen years on the 
board of Selectmen. He was a member of the First Congregational 
Church at the Center, where he was a constant attendant, gi\^ng 
freel}^ for the support of public worship. He died at the age of 91, 
his wife Lj'dia djing Oct. 23, 1820, aged 92. They left a family of 
five sons and three daughters. His sons were all of large stature, 
powerfully built, very strong and active, and were also naturally 
ingenious, depending largel}' upon their ingenuit3' and skill to pro- 
vide articles for home use. The}' were also ver}' successful in mak- 
ing wooden plows, tubs, pails, barrels, etc. Two of these sons, 
Samuel and James, built themselves a hand-sled, and in company 
with three others figured prominently in the famous trip of the 
*■'■ Douglas Fleet" to Boston, the particulars of which are narrated 
elsewhere. 

BENJAMIN WALLIS, Esq., the older son, lived to be 70 years 
of age, his death being occasioned b}' exposure to the cold. He 
drove a yoke of fat oxen to Providence,, R. I., in the month of Jan- 
uary', and became so chilled b}" the intense cold that he died there. 

JAMES WALLIS, the second son, was born in Douglas, but 
afterwards moved to Webster, where he owned and run a grist-miU 



212 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

and blacksmith shop. From this place he went to Southb ridge,, 
and thence to West Brookfleld, where he died, aged 85. 

DAVID WALLIS, the third son, born in Donglas, was a farmer, 
alwa3-s hving in Douglas. lie died at the age of . 

SAMUEL WALLIS, the fourth son, retained his faculties 
unimpaired to an advanced age. At 85 he was summoned to 
Worcester as a witness in the case involving the flowage of the 
Moses Kuapp privilege, walking the entire distance from his home 
to Worcestei". He died at 90, and at the time of his death, which 
was occasioned hy a fall, he was apparently as well able to endure 
fatigue as for j'ears before. 

AARON WALLIS, the fifth son, was a man who took an active 
part in town affairs, and lived to the age of 77 years. He was 
Selectman and Assessor for many years. 

AARON A. WALLIS, son of Aaron, succeeded his father in 
town business, lie was chairman of the Board of Selectmen for 
a long time, and held many other town offices. 



dudijEY family. 

FRANCIS DUDLEY settled at Concord, Mass., about 1663. 
He married Miss Sarah Wheeler, of Concord, Oct. 26, 1665, 
who died Dec. 12, 1713. 

They had a son - SAMUEL, who was born in 1666, and mar- 
ried for his first wife Abigail King Nov. 1, 1704, and for his 

second wife Lydia . Samuel Dudley died in 1775, at Sutton, 

and his first wife died in 1720. 

3 WILLIAM DUDLEY, son of Samuel, was born May 28, 
1726, and married Ann Shepherd, of Stoughton. He was Town 
Clerk of Douglas soon after its incorporation. 

* PAUL DUDLEY was the son of WiUiam Dudley, and died 
Feb. 9, 1857, aged 80 j-ears. He married Dorothy Reed. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 213 

* JOHN DUDLEY was the son of Paul Dudley, and was bom 
Sept. 10, 1790, and married Submit Hill, who was born March 
S, 1790. 

« JAMES HILL DUDLEY was the son of John Dudley, and 
was born Dee. 10, 1814, and married Eliza Avery Prentiss, of 
Hampton, Conn., who was born Sept. 3, 1819. 

^ARTHUR JAMES DUDLEY was born May 7, 1839, and 
married Christiana Sarah Hill Nov. 12, 1861, who was born 
June 28, 1838. The}' have the following children : Walter John 
Hill Dudley, born Aug. 23, 1862 ; Guilford Chauncey Dudley, born 
March 5, 1864; Robert Arthur Dudley, born Feb. 23, 1867; 
Loiezer EKza Dudley, born March 7, 1870 ; Ralph Edward Dud- 
le}-, born April 20, 1876. 

DAVID DUDLEY, son of Paul Dudley, was born about 
1788, and married Hannah Walker, of Sutton, Dec. 16, 1810, by 
the Rev. Edmund Mills. He died in 1829, aged 43, and Hannah 
his wife died June .5, 1872, aged 84. Their children were: 
George R. ; Louie M., born 1814 ; Ehza J., born Feb., 1817, and 
died June, 1817; David W., born 1818, died October, 1818; 
David W., born March, 1800, died in 1855; Eliza J., born 1823. 

GEORGE R. is married, and resides in Covington, Ky., and 
his children are Eugene, Emma, Kate, Anna, and Wilhe. 

LOUIE M. married Edmund Carpenter in 1833, and died in 
1885. 

ELIZA J. married Dutee Smith, of Burrillville, R. I., in 1848, 
and died Dec. 7, 1867. Her children are Luella M., born 1850 ; 
George H., born 1854; and Clara H., born 1858. Luella M. 
married Moses H. Balcome, of Douglas, April 15, 1876. 

WILLIAM DUDLEY, son of Paul, was born Oct. 29, 1793, 
married Harriot Cragin, and had the following children : William 
Dudle}-, born Nov. 11, 1816, who married Elizabeth Morse, of 
Providence, R. I., and had as issue Charles L. Dudley; Charles 
Dudley, of Providence, who married Clara D. Wilmouth, and had 
iis issue William A. Dudley, Annie W. Dudley, and Harriet C. 



214 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Dudley ; Harriet C. Dudley, who married George R. Barker, Oct. 
21, 1847, their issue being Harriet C. D. Barker, born March 
23, 1851, died Sept. 15, 187G ; J. Fremont Barker, born April, 
1855 ; Charles D. Barker, born 1857 ; George R. Barker, died 
1865, aged 40 3"ears. 

William Dudley, son of Paul, married for his second wife Maky 
Cobb, of Taunton, and had three children, all dying 3'oung. For 
his third wife he married Sophronia Lincoln, of Worcester, and 
had as issue Sophronia (not living) ; George, born 1834 ; Edwin 
R., born 1838 ; Mary W., born 1844. 

WILLARD DUDLEY, son of Paul, was born about the year 
1797, married Eunice Balcome, and had the following issue : Paul, 
Edwin, Dorothy,. Frank, and Betse\\ 

DOROTHY DUDLEY, daughter of Paul Dudley, born March 
29, 1801, married Benjamin Hill, and had as issue Benjamin, 
Emeline, Ehza Ann, and Edwin. 

HARRIET DUDLEY, daughter of Paul and Dorothy, hi» 
wife, was born Dec. 15, 1704, married Josiaii Adams May 14, 
1823, and had as issue Josiah Augustus, born March 12, 1824, 
married Fidelia, who had a daughter, Adelaide Francis, born Nov. 
2, 1845. Josiah Augustus died Jan. 19, 1859, and Fideha, his. 
wife, May 31, 18(51. 



AMOS GOl LD. 

Most of the boys and young men of the village are famihar 
with a little wood-colored house, one story in height, that stands (or 
used to stand) by the roadside in Centerville, for some time the homo 
of Amos Gould, or ' ' Uncle Amos," as he was commonly called. He 
was a stone-layer by trade, though he worked more or less at all kinds 
of heavy out-door labor, and was noted for great muscular strength. 
During the hottest days of summer, as well as at other seasons of 
the .year, he worked bare-headed in the sun, which gave rise to 
another sol)riquct by which he was known, " knot-head." When 
employment failed, or the long winter evenings came on, he occu- 
pied himself in making whip-stalks and axe-handles, which were 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 215 

much in demand among the farmers ; and when tired of this he 
whiled away his leisure hours in placing a fiddle, of which he was 
passionately' fond, and on many an evening would the bo3's, and 
even the girls, crowd the cabin of the old man to hear him play 
and sing by the hour. 

Stories innumerable are related of various exhibitions of his 
strength before old age came on, such as wrestling, lifting, throw- 
ing the bar, pulling stakes, etc., — some real and some fictitious. 
He was generally on good terms with mendicants, gypsies, and 
Indians, mixing freely with them as they came and went. It is 
said that once, while '' Uncle Amos " was la^'ing a wall along the 
edge of a pond, near which some Indians were encamping, one of 
them, a noted bull}^, came behind him and pushed him over with 
his foot, saying, ''me big Indian." Without a word "Uncle 
Amos" rose, caught the astonished red man amidships, lifted him 
clear of the ground and tossed him over a rail fence into the water, 
and as the brave struck out for shore he retorted, " me big Indian 
too !" 

His onl^' companion in the solitar}' life which he preferred, and 
to which he obstinately clung, was a little dog, curiously marked, 
and remarkable for brute intelligence. The two were inseparable. 
At home, at work, in all the old man's wanderings and adventures, 
this faithful attendant answered his master's call; and when, one 
cold, bleak morning, the insensible form of "Uncle Amos" was 
found b}' the roadside, the faithful dog lay on his bosom, where he 
had watched in vain over the life of his master. 

Although relatives offered him a comfortable home in his declin- 
ing years, he clung as if by instinct to the mingled freedom and 
privations of a solitary life. 



AMOS HUMES. 

Amos Humes, the father of 'Squire Humes, was a man of in- 
dependent character, and consequently of considerable influence 
in town affairs. He held various town offices, and was elected 
Representative to the General Court several times. In those days 
it was the custom for the fortunate candidate to ' ' treat " his con- 



216 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

stituents, a custom which, unfortunately, is not yet buried in 
the obUvion it deserves. At the time he was chosen he proposed 
in open town-meeting that, instead of treating his neighbors, as 
the fashion was, he should contribute ten dollars for the benefit of 
the public schools. A proposition of that kind from Amos Humes 
was authoritative, the most thirsty among those present not daring 
to dissent, and the approval of his proposition was immediate and 
unanimous. 



RUSSELL TITUS. 

Few men in Douglas were better known while living than 
was Russell Titus. Eccentric in manners and dress, self-assured 
without being impudent, he was always conspicuous in any local 
gathering of a popular character. He was an ardent advocate of 
temperance, and took prominent parts in the debates at local 
meetings, conventions, etc., relating to the question. Keenly 
ahve to any real or fancied injury or insult, he was as warmly ap- 
preciative of any kindness done him ; and it was said that at 
some time, and in some way or another, he always managed to 
return a favor. Many caja testify to his spontaneous goodness of 
heart. He died March 11,1874, in the 60th year of his age. 



DUDLEY BALC03IE. 

There is scarcely a New England town that has not some 
genial, good-hearted character, a genuine Yankee, who is "hail 
fellow well met" with ever^-body. Such a man was Dudley Bal- 
come, for sixty years a useful resident of Douglas. Prominent 
in town affairs, he occupied various offices of confidence and re- 
sponsibility, the duties of which he discharged with strict integ- 
rit}^ especially that of town collector, for which position he was 
always a favorite candidate. Quite an orator, in his way, he was 
often heard in the lyceum, and at town-meetings generally, on 
questions where the principles of justice and humanity were in- 
volved. Few who were present will ever forget the eloquent and 




RESIDENCE OF MOSES H. BALCOME, DOUGLAS CENTEK. 




RESIDENCE OF D. M. LEE, EAST DOUGLAS. 



218 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

even touching argument he once made at a town-meeting in favor 
of measures proposed for protecting birds, " our humble benefac- 
tors, that not only save the crops unliarmed, but cheer us with 
their song." 

Plis affection for birds, however, did not extend to foxes. 
Armed with a long-barreled smooth-bore, " good for any red-coat 
at fourteen rods," as he used to say, and accompanied by "Old 
Pomp," the well-known hound, he won quite a reputation as a fox 
hunter, and loved the sport to the last. He w^as sympathetic and 
warm-hearted, generous to a fault, affable and courteous in his 
demeanor, and the town lost a valued servant by his death, which 
took place in the latter part of December, 1874. 



MR. EZRA JONES 

died Dec. 5, 1868, aged 41 3^ears. Mr. Jones came to Douglas 
in the 3'ear ISIG. lie was variously employed until 1850, when 
he engaged in the grocery and dry goods business at Manchaug. 
Several 3'ears subsequent to this he carried on business at the store 
afterwards occupied by J. F. Putnam, in the Arcade building, and 
was subsequently associated with his brother, A. F. Jones, in Chase's 
Block, at the same time carrying on the butchering business. He 
was an invalid for three years, and died of consumption. "He 
was an industrious, hard-working man, a kind and indulgent hus- 
band and father, and an upright, public-spirited, useful citizen.'* 



DEA. WARREN HUNT. 

Few names are more familiar, not merely to citizens of Douglas, 
but among the older business men of other localities, than that of 
Dea. Warren Hunt, a native and life-long resident of the town. 
His connection with the Axe Company, its growth and prosperity 
under his management, the comprehensive character of his plans, 
the energy he displa3'ed in perfecting them, his shrewdness and 
foresight, joined with a certain force of will that made him when in 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 219 

his prime a leader among leaders, all combined to secure to him 
much more than a strictl}' local reputation. Some men are endowed 
by nature with intellectual qualities that establish their supremacy 
at once and without question in any enterprise with which they 
are connected. Their personal impress is left on everything ; they 
seem " born to rule." 

Such a man was Deacon Hunt. To good judgment, foresight, and 
skill in effecting combinations — three qualities essential to a busi- 
ness man — he united that executive capacity without which these 
amount to little more than foundations for castles in the air. With 
him, a scheme once devised, the results were fairly anticipated, and 
no delay gave time for the seeds of failure to take root. His men, 
the machinery, the details of the work, went forward seemingly in 
obedience to his single will, just as the wide belt of the water- 
wheel is the single source of motion to the intricate shafting of the 
mill. Quick to discern, prompt to decide, ready to act, he never 
was guilt}' of indecision himself, and would hardly tolerate it in 
others. The breadth of mind that caused him to conceive any new 
business enterprise in the gross was accompanied with a fortunate 
readiness in understanding and attending to the minutest details. 
He would pick out a defective axe from a heap of them with what 
seemed to his men supernatural discernment. Of course in such a ' 
long business career as he led, seeing so much of men, he came to 
know them and was quick to read them, and perhaps rather iinspar- 
ing in his exposure of their weaknesses at times ; yet no one knew 
better than he how to develop latent talent, as well as to place 
men where they could be emplo3'ed to the best advantage. 

Nor were his ideas and plans, as is too often the case with men 
submerged in business, narrowed and concentrated upon the mere 
affairs under his personal charge. In his day and generation he 
was the leading citizen of Douglas, active in town affairs, inter- 
ested in public improvements, and prominent in the Church. Gen- 
erous and public spirited by nature, he was accustomed to look for- 
ward to the ultimate results, keeping constantly in view the growth 
and prosperity of the place, and endeavoring to make them keep 
pace with its business development, that the one might be the pat- 
ron rather than the oppressor of the other. Probabl}' he did more 
than an}' one to build up the village. 

As might be expected from one of such a positive character, hia 




• -^^x-ciRii^v^-sj^^js: 




^Z^ry- c^i^ 




BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 221 

views upon all general topics were most decided in their character, 
and alwaj's forcibly avowed ; but with all his native force of mind 
and strength of will, however, there was combined a dignit}^ and 
suavity of manner that was winning in the extreme when he chose 
to exercise them. It was this that rendered him an excellent pre- 
siding oflicer. More than once has it been said by those compe- 
tent to judge, and knowing him long and intimatel}', "we never 
had a man among us who could conduct a public assembly of any 
kind with equal tact, dignity and grace." 

We might record innumerable instances and incidents that have 
been preserved, illustrative of his prominent traits. To enumerate 
them all would fill a volume, and to attempt an adequate and fit- 
ting selection from among the number would be difficult, if not 
impossible. To those who knew him this brief and necessarily 
imperfect notice will revive recollections that are valuable and im- 
perishable ; and to those who did not know him it will at least 
transmit his memor}', and serve to postpone the obliviousness that 
slowly covers up the pathway of the dead. 



DR. WILLIAM JENNISON. 

The name of Dr William Jennison, a ph3sician who practiced 
in Mendon, and also in Douglas in the early history of our town, 
will be familiar to many who have examined its annals. He was 
born in 1732, married Mary Staples, of Mendon, and eventuallj- re- 
moved to Brookfield, where he died on the 8th of May, 1798. He 
was the father of Samuel Jeunison, a lawyer and graduate of 
Harvard University, who practiced law in Oxford. 



JONATHAN SPKAGUE. 

This good man was born in Douglas Oct. 6, 1801. He was 
brought up under the quiet and subduing influences of the Quak- 
ers, and his whole life was one of the most unobtrusive of those so 
generally characteristic of this estimable class of people. His nat- 
ural repulsion to anything like conspicuousness led him to shrink 
from public observation to that degree that probabl}' scarce any of 



222 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

his more immediate neighbors could be said to have really known 
him, especiall}^ in those details of mind and habit that constitute 
the man himself. These were open to the observation of his fam- 
ily and most intimate friends only, and to them they were known 
and read of all. 

Nevertheless, on all matters where a thorough conscientious- 
ness in the discharge of his obligations as a citizen were involved, 
as well as in the retiracv of his family, he was one of the most un- 
compromising and outspoken, and could never be betrayed into 
the sacritice of his honest convictions on any consideration of pub- 
lic expedienc}- or personal favor. This trait, with his well-known 
generous and sympathizing nature, led him instinctively to es- 
pouse the cause of the oppressed, and from the very beginning of 
the great anti-slavery struggle he was one of its firmest adherents 
and most steadfast defenders, even though it cost him no small 
amount of ridicule to stand up well nigh solitary and alone for his 
principles, as he did in identifying himself early with the old " Lib- 

erty party." His indignation at the infamous " Fugitive Slave 
Law," as it was so justly called, was not a sentiment merely, but 
an incarnation ; and the panting refugee from bondage was never 
turned from his door, but on repeated occasions, saj'S one who knew 
him most intimately, these poor men and women were heartily 
welcomed under his roof in East Douglas, and aided on their flight 
for freedom by all the means at his command. 

He was a man of great vigor and keenness of mind, penetra- 
ting intuitively to the ver^- essentials of all the leading questions of 
the day, never contenting himself with any merel}'' superficial ideas 
on these subjects. Few men probably were capable of fi-aming a 
more incisive question on any point which they did not fully grasp 
than he. Evading the vital issue on such matters was useless 
when he set himself to " know and understand." He was remark- 
ably well read on all matters affecting the public interest, and es- 
peciall}' in the realm of religion. He would state with rare precis- 
ion the points of difference characterizing the different evangelical 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 228 

denoininatioiis, -readily grasping the vulnerable feature in any coii- 
trovers}', with a happy faculty of holding it up to the light both of 
reason and revelation. 

His consistent and reproachless life closed Nov. 2, 187G, when 
he was suddenly sti'icken down by apoplexy. Mr. Sprague was 
married Oct. 20, l'S2(J. to Mary Ann Whipple, daughter of Wel- 
<tome Whipple, Esq. The fiftieth anniversarj' of their wedding- 
was celebrated at the church in South Sutton, at which four geu- 
■erations of their family were present to do them honor, together 
with a large number of invited guests. The address from their 
■son, Col. Homer B. Sprague, contained reminiscences of the past 
followed by an original poem, which served to make the occasion 
one of rare and deep interest. 



HOMER B. SPRAGUE 

spent a portion of his school days in East Douglas. He fitted for 
college at Leicester Acadeni}', graduated at Yale in the class of 
1852, receiving the DeForest prize, a gold medal of the value 
of one hundred dollars, given for the best written and spoken 
composition. After studying law at New Haven, he entered upon 
the practice of his profession in Worcester, but soon after accept- 
ed the position of principal of the Worcester High School. From 
Worcester he went to New Haven and again began the practice of 
law. continuing there until the breaking out of the rebellion. 

During the war he did much to inspire patriotism in others, and 
himself entered earl}' into the service of his country', enlisting a 
company of soldiers in New Haven and of which he had been elected 
Captain. He was afterwards promoted Major, and Nov. .5, 1863, 
Lieutenant-Colonel. His regiment was in several engagements, 
both in the department of the gulf and with the army of the Shenan- 
doah under General Sheridan. 

In the l)attle of Winchester Colonel Sprague commanded the 
regiment (Thirteenth Connecticut). In the heat of the contest his 
horse was shot under him, and he led his regiment on foot. Soon 
after the Colonel and a few brave men who stood Ijy him were 
overpowered and captured. After an experience in Libb}' Prison, 
and afterwards in Andersonville, he was released and again re- 



224 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

sumed command of his regiment. Since the war he has been 
engaged in teaching. In 1867 he was chosen principal of the 
State Normal School at New Britain, Conn., afterwards professor 
in Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. From there he went to 
Brooklyn, and became principal of the Adelphi Academ3\ Re- 
signing this position he entered the lecture-field and soon became 
one of the most popular lecturers of the da}'. His lecture enti- 
tled " The Bright Side of Life in Confederate Prisons," is replete 
with incidents and anecdotes showing the sunnier side of prison 
life, when told b}' the Colonel in his inimitable style. His other 
lectures, among which ma}^ be mentioned " Milton as an Educa- 
tor," "Riches, and what Constitutes Them," "Shakespeare's 
Youth," " Shakespeare's Manhood," and " Oliver Goldsmith," are 
universally popular, and make the Colonel an established favorite 
wherever he lectures. He is now principal of the Girls' High . 
School, Boston. 



JAMES E. SIMMONS 

was born Feb. 20, 1825, at Oakham, Mass. He came to Doug- 
las at an early age, and was for a long time engaged in busi- 
ness in Chase's Block. During a residence in Douglas of more 
than twenty-six years he was closely identified with the people ; 
in all his business transactions he was kind, courteous and gen- 
tlemanly^ ; and in the social circle the ennobling traits of his char- 
acter were conspicuous. In 1863 he removed to Slatersville, 
where he engaged in mercantile business, and came to be as uni- 
versally respected there as in Douglas. He died April 11, 1868, 
and his remains were brought to Douglas for burial. 



MR. FENNER BATCHELLER 



was born at Thompson, Conn., in 1807, and was next to the 
youngest of a family of eleven children. He removed his residence 
to Douglas in 1826, and for a number of j'ears was employed in 
the cotton mill of Howe & Co., who were then operating what is 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL CONTINUED. 225 

now known as the Lovett mill. After years of faithful service he 
was promoted to the position of overseer, and for some time was 
Agent of the mills. 

He organized, in 1827, the first Sunday-school ever gathered in 
this village, at Avhieh those who were confined to labor during 
the week daj's were instructed in reading, writing and ciphering. 
In 1841 he represented the town in the General Court, for many 
years he was postmaster, and during nearly everj^ j^ear of his res- 
idence in Douglas he held some town ofHce. He alwa3's had a heart 
and a hand for every good cause, and was ever ready to aid in an}^ 



iT . ,r-} . 



project tending to elevate the morality and prosperity of the town. 
His kinduess of heart, sterling honesty, and perseverance in what- 
ever he undertook, made him a man whom his townsmen loved to 
honor. 

He was for twenty -three j^ears a director of the Blackstone Na- 
tional Bank, and in this capacity his prompt and sound judgment 
made him a safe adviser for all who sought his counsel. His con- 
summate honest}' and singleness of purpose made him faithful to 
all the trusts committed to him. 



COIi. HORACE EMERSON 

was born in Uxbridge in 1801, and removed to Douglas when quite 
young, since then making this place his home. He married Azuba 
Hill, oldest daughter of Capt. Caleb Hill. Colonel Emerson was 
passionately fond of military pursuits, and his commanding pres- 
ence on the muster field made him the subject of admiration. He 
rose from the rank of Ensign to the Colonelcy of the Second Regi- 
ment of Infantry, holding successively the commissions of Captain, 
Major, Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel. 

Before taking the command of his company it was in a badly- 
demoralized condition. A summons to appear on parade was un- 
heeded by half the members, and those who did appear made it a 

15 



226 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

complete burlesque by costumiug themselves in the most ridicu- 
lous manner. Captain Emerson immediatel}' set himself about 
securing a better state of discipline in the ranks, in which he was 
seconded by his Orderly Clerk, Fenner Batcheller, Esq. On one 
occasion, Avhen twenty-eight absentees were reported, he deter- 
mined to select Alvah Crossman upon whom to apply the test of 
authority, he being a man of means, and able to bear any fine that 
might be imposed. The matter was carried into court, and Mr. 
Crossman employed ex-Goyernor Dayis, of Worcester, as counsel, 
who came to Douglas to examine the records of the company as 
jn-eliminary to making an attempt to quash proceedings. After a 
lengthy search for errors he remarked that it was the only cor- 
rectly kept military record he had eyer seen, and of course Colonel 
Emerson was sustained. The result was that after this the best 
of discipline prevailed in the company. This will serve to illus- 
trate the methodicalness and promptitude which characterized his 
life. Anything entrusted to him was sure of faithful attention. 

Colonel Emerson was a member of the Uxbridge Lodge F. & 
A. M., and held positions of responsibility and honor in the order. 
He had but little taste for politics, although he kept himself thor- 
oughly acquainted with the questions and issues of the da}-, and 
voted as he talked — intelligently and consistently. He was an 
earnest advocate of woman's sulfrage, and hoped to live to seethe 
day when all persons, irrespective of rank, color or sex, should 
have the same rights at the polls, and the same recognition by the 
laws of the land. He was a member of the Second Congregational 
Church in Douglas from its organization, and was a most consist- 
ent Christian. 



LUTHER STONE 

was born Sept. 22, 1801, in the town of Leominster. He went to 
Fitchburg when quite young, and from there he removed to Doug- 
las, about the year 1820, with his brother Theodore, with whom he 
was associated in the business of masonry for many years. They 
built several houses in North Uxbridge, Douglas and surround- 
ing towns, doing the larger part of the brick work. About the 
3^ear 1850 they gave up working at their trade, and Luther 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 227 

worked at polishing axes for a while. He was afterwards employed 
in keeping books for Deacon Hunt. He built the N. W. Preston 
house, and lived there for a time. In 1858 he removed to Wor- 
cester, and of his residence there and of his death the Worcester 
Spy of Friday, Sept. 0, 1878, speaks in the following terms: 
' ' We record this morning the decease of this aged and worthy 
citizen, who was taken with cholera morbus at Scarboro' Beach, 
where he went some days ago for rest and the improvement of the 
slender health of his wife. He was brought to his home on Ox- 
ford street in a prostrated condition on Tuesday evening, and 
died Thursday morning, lacking seventeen days of 77 years of age. 
Mr. Stone came to Worcester from East Douglas twenty-eight 
years ago, entering the employ of Henr^' W. Miller, with whom he 
remained until his death. In })ersonal habits he was simple and 
regular, and in business efflcient and trustworthy. His native 
vigor of mind suffered no apparent decline, but kept company with 
an almost unabated natural force of bod}'. Until seven years ago 
he was connected with the Old South Church, where, as a teacher 
and superintendent of its Sunday-school, he rendered acceptable 
service for man}' years. In the Pl3'mouth Church, with which he 
afterwards identified himself, he Avas universally respected. Al- 
waj's unassuming, his worth was best known to the few who will 
most sensibl}' feel his loss." 



DR. EZEKIEL WOOD 

was a prominent physician in East Douglas. He studied for the 
medical profession and received his diploma at Pittsfield, Mass., 
in 1828. He practiced medicine in Douglas from that time until 
his death, which occurred Nov. 4, 1850. 

' ' It has fallen to the lot of few to gain so wide a reputation 
and to win so generall}' the public confidence as did the Doctor." 
He was a good citizen, a successful physician, a patron of learn- 
ing, and a supporter of religious society. He was a prominent 
member of the Odd Fellows, occupj'ing the rank of Noble Grand 
at the time of his death. His public spiritedness led him to take 
a deep interest in the cause of education, and whatever tended to 
promote good morals in the community. At the time of his resi- 



228 HISTOEY OP DOUGLAS. 

dence here the High School was supported by the payment of 
tuition by those who had children to send. Being few in number, 
it came heavily upon some, and, not having children of his own, 
he provided schooling for two or three children, and at his death 
left $500 to be used for school purposes. This is now known as 
the Dr. "Wood Fund. In later j-ears the approi)riation of a portion 
of this for repairs on the High School building led to a litigation of 
the subject in the courts, in which the town as plaintiff' wa& 
beaten and the trustees sustained. 



MR. charlp:!^ hutchins, 

for many years master mechanic of the Douglas Axe Compau}',. 
was born in Biddeford, Me., June 7, 1H14. Withoutthe advantages 
of an early education, his sterling character was developed and 
raoiilded in 3'outh by the influence of a Christian mother, and his 
subsequent success was attained b}' integrity and tireless energy. 
He, like all his brothers, was a natural mechanic. When a lad of 
ten years his .life was saved from drowning b}^ Jarvis Manly, of 
Pennsylvania, a prominent contractor, and engaged in the build- 
ing of heavy machinery, and Mr. Manly ever after manifested 
great interest in him, and subsequently took him under his 
patronage and into his employ. Mr. Hutchins traveled in all 
sections of the countr}^, setting up new machinery and starting 
rolling-mills in different localities. With the assistance of Mr. 
Manly, who was an educated man, he labored hard and successfully 
to overcome the defects of his earl}^ training, and soon became a 
master mechanic. 

In 183- Mr. Manly visited Douglas for the purpose of adding 
some improved machinery for cutting bar iron to the Axe Works, 
and Mr. Hutchins came to set it up. About this time he became 
acquainted with Harriet N. Hunt, whom he subsequently married, 
and then removed to Hepburn, Pa., where he operated a nail 
miU tiU 1846, when he returned to the' employ of the Axe Com- 
pan}'' as master mechanic, a position he retained until his death. 

He was the inventor of several valuable machines, that were not 
only successfully introduced to the public, but are still in use with 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL CONTINUED. 229 

but few improvements, so perfect were the original designs. Upon 
his machine for making axe polls, an invention bv which five men 
witli one machine could accomplish more than twenty men were 
iible to do without it, he spent the best portion of his life, plan- 
ning, altering and perfecting, with the confidence and patience of a 
true inventor, and nothing has yet been made that can compete 
with it successfully. 

Mr. Hutchins was a man of great nerve, firm and determined 
in every undertaking, and unwilling to yield to the difficulties that 
■conquer ordinary men. In private as well as among his friends he 
was social and fond of pleasantry, and especiall}" a thorough 
believer in the saying, "there's no place hke home." In faith and 
practice a strong temperance man, he was for many years Secre- 
tary of the Sons of Temperance. In 1864 he was elected Eepre- 
seutative to the General Court by the Republicans of his district. 
In the Church he took an active part, engaging in all branches of 
Christian work, and was connected with the Sabbath-school either 
as teacher or superintendeiit as long as he lived. Benevolent, dis- 
■cerning, firm in his convictions yet reserved in the expression of 
them, he had that native force of character that seemed to win the 
instinctive confidence of those about him. 

His death, which occurred April 10th, 1867, was sudden and 
painful, and marked by many singular coincidences. While ex- 
perimenting on a buzz- wheel that revolved with incredible rapidity, 
a defective welding of the rim caused it to burst, and one of the 
fl^'ing fragments inflicted such severe injuries that he lived but a 
few hours. The pure example of his life was intensified by the 
suddenness of his death, and left a deep and salutary unpression 
upon the community. 



GARDNER CHASE. 

Gardner Chase, for many years a prominent and honored citizen 
of Douglas, was born in Sutton in October, 1805. When quite young 
his parents removed from that town to Burrillville, R. I., where he 
remained till about nineteen years of age, when he came to Ux- 
bridge to attend school under the tuition of "Squire" Jacques. 
He boarded at Jona. Whipple's, a famous resort for students 
in those days. He remained in Uxbridge a number of years in the 



230 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

employ' of the Caprons, and then went to Ljnu to carry on a dry 
goods and grocery store in company with another man, but sooa 
sold out his interest and returned to the mills at Uxbridge, where- 
he remained until March, 1839, when he removed to Douglas. Here* 
he purchased the building on Main street opposite the Hunt estate^ 
took the store already established in the same, and continued a suc- 
cessful business for man}' years. In time the business accumulated' 
to such an extent, and his devotion to it was so complete that his 
health became impaired, and acting under the advice of his physi- 
cian, he permanently retired, after having been engaged in it about 
twenty 3'ears. From that time till his death he was a perfect exam- 
ple of incessant industry, being constant!}' occupied as health 
permitted in farming and other duties. He was for a longtime 
Chairman of the Selectmen and the Assessors, besides filling other 
town offices — went one term to the Legislature, and was frequenth' 



^ay?r-c//n_,cy ^^a^iX/ 



called upon to settle estates and give advice with reference to the 
management of private interests. For fifty years he never failed 
to vote on election da3% and the last j^ear of his life, though hardly 
able, he insisted on being carried to the polls. Scrupulously hon- 
est and exact in trifles, he could never tolerate in others that petty 
carelessness which, to say the least, is closely related to dishonesty. 
Intelligent in town aftairs, practiced in all matters of business, never 
obtruding himself in pul)lic, he always readil}' consecrated his ener- 
gies on the side of principle or to the faithful discharge of the duties 
of any position he was called to fill. Few, if any, enjoyed in a 
greater degree the confidence and respect of the community. He 
belonged to the type of exceptional men who live in the memories 
of people long after others are forgotten, just as some daA's in the 
ever-gliding years stand out in bold relief wken th.e inoatlis that 
came with them have gone and left no record. 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 231 

DR. JOHN TAYLOR. 

Dr. Jennison was succeeded in practice by Dr. John Taylor, 
who moved to Doughis from Lunenburg in 1780. He took the 
farm then owned b}- Dr. Jennison, the same now occupied by 
John Robbins. He in turn was succeeded by his son, Dr. Samuel 
Taylor. It is evident from the journals of the second Provincial 
Congress of Massachusets, which held four sessions between Feb. 
1, 1775, and May 29, 177.3, that Dr. Taylor was an intluential 
citizen and patriot as well as a good physician, for we find him 
enrolled among the members of a constant succession of commit- 
tees, many of them important, throughout this Congress. 



SAMUEL LOVETT 

was born in Paxton, Mass., Aug. 7, 1791, and died at the house 
of his son, Samuel Pike Lovett, in Uxbridge, Oct. 12, 1864, at 
the ripe age of 73 jears. In ver}" early life he removed to Smith- 
field, R. I., where he was employed as a clerk in the factory 
store of Samuel Slater, the pioneer cotton manufacturer of Amer- 
ica. Here he not only became proficient in mercantile business, 
but also gained a good insight into the manufacture of cotton cloths 
as carried on at that day. At tliis time cloth was woven on 
hand-looms at the homes of the weavers, and it was a part of Mr. 
Lovett's business to parcel out the j-arns and take account of the 
cloth when returned. 

Here he became acquainted with Miss Lncinda Courtne}', who 
was born in Providence, R. I., April 17, 1797, and to whom he 
was married in Slatersville, Sept. 17, 1815. Mrs. Lovett was a 
weaver, and it was the practice of Mr. Lovett to take her place at 
the loom after the close of his day's labor at the store and factory. 
By their nnited industr}^ and prudence they were enabled to ac- 
cumulate a respectable sum of money for the times in which they 
lived, and thus lay a foundation for that measure of success which 
attended their efforts in subsequent hfe. 

About the year 1826 Mr. Lovett left Slatersville and settled in 
the village of East Douglas, where he engaged in the manufacture 
of cotton cloth, in company with the late George Howe, of Boston. 



232 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

This firm was known as the " Douglas Manufacturing Company," 
and their business was carried on in the old green mill at the 
Lower Village, as it was formerly called, and in the stone factory 
which stands nearly opposite the Heath store. After a number 
of successful years in this business, Mr. Lovett disposed of his 
interest in the lower mill, and obtained the sole ownership of the 
upper, or stone mill, where he continued business till about the 
3'ear 1849, when he sold his establishment to the Douglas Axe 
Manufacturing Compan}-, and retired from active business life. 

Mr. Lovett was a model manufacturer, always giving his personal 
attention to the details of his bu.siness, b}^ which he was enabled 
to manufacture the best goods of their class. He alwaj's regarded 
the interests of his help with thoughtful solicitude, and there are 
some still living who remember him with grateful affection. The 
following extracts from a tribute to his memor}' b,y his pastor and 
friend, the late Rev. Joshua L. MaN-nard, is well deserved : 

" He was one of the kindest of men to all in his employ, often 
being at pains to minister special help and comfort to such as 
were in need of them. His family and numerous friends well 
remember him as a man of clear and discriminating mind, wise in 
counsel, of an even and amiable disposition, united with force of 
character, as a good husband and father, and a valuable friend, 
and (not to be forgotten) a Christian of evangelical views and 
implicit faith and hope." 

Mrs. Lovett outlived her husband seven years, her death occur- 
ring at East Douglas June 8, 1871, in the 74th year of her age. 
In a notice which appeared in the local newspaper soon after her 
decease, it was said of her that " she was a woman of much more 
than common ability, possessing unusual energy and decision of 
character, alwa3's industrious, and ever ready to lend a helping 
hand where her services were needed. In the sick-room her as- 
sistance was often required while health lasted, and she was al- 
wa3's ready to do what she could. Her interest also in public 
affairs was noticeable. Whatever tended to elevate and improve 
societ}' and the comnninity in which she dwelt for so many years 
received her aid and support. In the religious parish and the 
Church (Congregational) with which for a number of 3'ears she 
was connected, she felt a deep and livel}^ interest, and many are 
the works that attest her devotion and attachment to their best 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 233 

^ood. When such a person departs, the community, as well as 
those who are nearest and dearest by the ties of earthly aflection, 
suffer no common bereavement, and all will miss her and mourn 
her loss." 

The remains of each rest in a beautiful lot in Rural Cemetery, 
Worcester, which Mr. Lovett purchased some 3'ears before his de- 
cease, and where he erected a massive monument of marble to 
perpetuate the famil}'^ name. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lovett had the following children : 1. Mary Ann, 
born at Sinithfleld, R. I., July 22^ 1818, married to Scotto Berry, 
son of Scotto Berrj', of Hardwick ; she died at Worcester, No- 
vember, 1863. 2. Lucinda, born at Smithfield, R. I., May 7, 
1821 ; married at East Douglas to Samuel Elias Staples, Dec. 25, 
1844, by Rev. Chauncey D. Rice. .'5. Samuel Pike, born at Smith- 
field, R. I., March 31, 1824 ; married Sarah Ann, daughter of Job 
and Sarah Balcome Knapp, of East Douglas. 4. Frances Eliza- 
beth, born in East Douglas Nov. 29, 182(5 ; married Frederick 
Brigham, of Worcester. 5. Minerva Malvina, born in East 
Douglas Sept. 16, 1834 ; married Isaac S. Balcome, formerly of 
Douglas, noVv of Brunswick, Maine. 6. Harriet Berry, born in 
East Douglas May 5, 1839, died September, 1842. 



DR. I). P. WHITE. 

Dr. D. P. White, a well-known physician of Douglas, was born 
in the southern part of the town, about the year 1806. He early 
manifested a strong preference for the medical profession, and al- 
though his parents were too poor to give him the necessary educa- 
tion, this inclination was so ardent that he was able to overcome 
every obstacle. By teaching school in the winter season, and doing 
various other kinds of both mental and manual work, he struggled 
bravely in order that he might meet all his expenses. He entered 
upon the study of medicine in Bellingham with Dr. Thurber, grad- 
uated at Pittsfield Medical College, and finally entered upon the 
practice of his profession, which he followed through a period of 
fortj^-three years, thirtj^ of which were spent in Douglas. 

While his chief energies centered in his profession, he wasintgr- 
•ested in all educational matters, was alwaj^s present at lectures, 



234 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Iiterar3' entertainments, and all exercises of a pnblic character con- 
nected with the schools. Though inclined to be conservative, he- 
was b}- no means averse to new ideas of practical Aalue, but was 
seldom led astray b}' popular notions. In politics he was out- 
spoken, regardless of policy. Of a jovial temperament, he could 
not resist the temptation to give or to take a joke, and his regular 
appearance in the post-office of a winter evening was the signal to 
prepare for laughter. 

He was in poor health for nearly two years before his death, 
which took place May 23, 1874, when his son, Dr. Levi White, 
who had just graduated from Bellevue Medical College, succeeded 
to his practice. 



ARCHELAUS STONE. 

Archelaus Stone, a carpenter and builder by trade, who was 
intimately connected with the building interests throughout the 
southern part of Worcester county, lived on a farm about a mile 
north of the village of East Douglas. As he became known for 
skill and industry, work came in from neighboring towns and 
cities, so that he was eminently successful in business, employing 
a large number of men. At his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 
1856, he left a large family- of children, several of whom still live 
in Douglas. 



MILTON D. WHIPPLE. 

Milton D. Whipple, first son of Welcome AVhipple, Esq.,. 
was probably one of the most active and ingenious men that ever 
lived in Douglas, and he was chiefly known as the originator of 
several useful inventions. One of them, a machine for cutting 
files, gave such promise of ulilit}' that a stock company was formed 
to manufacture them for market, in which he owned stock to the 
amount of $40,000. The company subsequently failed, and he 
lost the whole. Although another invention of his, a burring 
machine used in the manufacture of woolen goods, proved of great 
practical value, he met the fate of many inventors in failing to reap 
any substantial benefit from its adoption, and it cost him more to 
defend his rights than he ever received in consequence of them. 



BlOrxRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED, 235 

Until his death he was constantly occupied with efforts to utilize 
"new ideas." He succeeded in perfecting a large number of ma- 
chines. 



CULTjKN whippi^k, 

also son of Welcome Whipple, Esq., a machinist b}^ trade, for 
several j'ears a resident of Douglas, won some celebrity on account 
of his successful invention of a machine for the manufacture of 
gimlet-pointed screws. It was made in the brick house on Main 
street, now owned by Mr. N. S. Caswell. After this machine was 
partially perfected Mr. Whipple removed to Providence, R. I., 
where, in connection with one Hopkins and Philip Stiness, he 
organized a compan}' for the manufacture of screws, which, as 
other parties were interested, finall}' developed into the New Eng- 
land Screw Company. Mr. Whipple obtained a portion of the 
stock, and a position in the company with a salary of $2,000 per 
annum. He sold the renewal of his patent for $4,000, and finall3^ 
after inventing a wool combing machine that promised well, gave 
up his connection with the Company and went to England, where- 
he sold this last improvement for £2,000. 



LYMAN PARSONS. 

Among the former postmasters of our town, Lj^man Parsons 
will be remembered by man}* of our citizens. He was born in 
Ludlow, but his father soon after moved to Monson, where he 
spent the earh- 3-ears of his life, and received his education at the 




Monson Academy. He removed in 1831 to Douglas from Whitins- 
ville, where he was employed as a clerk. He taught school for a 
number of years at the Forge District (now No. 3), and afterwards 
in a private school. He was for twentj'-five j'ears a Justice of the 



•236 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Peace, a Notary I'ublic, and was in the United States Revenue 
service as Collector during the war. In 1851 he became agent for 
the old Worcester Mutual Life Insurance Co. (succeeding Rev. 
Chauncey D. Rice, who was its first agent in Douglas), and con- 
tinued in the insurance business until the time of his death, which 
took place Feb. 12, 1875. He was postmaster for about three 
years prior to that time, and the last public act of his life was sign- 
ing his resignation as such. 



S. W. HKATH 

was born at Marblehead, Mass., in 1805, and learned the paper- 
maker's trade at Franklin, Mass. The business did not agree with 
him, and he returned home. He subsequently came to Douglas, 
and went to work in the store of Job and Moses Knapp, in the old, 
low buildings now standing on the Knapp place. After Moses 
Knapp withdrew from the firm Mr. Heath bought a half interest 
in the establishment. He soon after moved to the store on Main 




street, and became sole proprietor, continuing so for forty years, 
until his retirement from active Imsiness life. During the latter 
years of his life he was Trial Justice, and tilled that office with 
much acceptability. He had a clear sense of justice, and gave 
his decisions without regard to outside influences. He was a cau- 
tious, far-seeing business man, a man to be trusted in any respon- 
sible position, and these qualities fitted him for the town offices he 
was called upon to fill during so many 3'ears. 



MR. JEREMIAH B. LUTHER 

was born P^eb. 6, 1805, and came to Douglas at the age of 14 . He 
was a man of few words, but exerted an influence for good wlier- 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 23? 

ever he went. lie was a constant attendant at church, a teacher 
in the Suncla3--school for many j^ears, where he accomphshed nnich 
good through his faithful labors in that capacity, as well as b}- his 
example. He twice represented the town in the Legislature, and 
was a most active and useful member of the community, and in his 
Ufe stricth- exemplified his religious principles and profession. He 
died Aug. 8, 1873. 



WARREN HUMES, ESQ., 

son of Amos Humes, was born in July, 1802. He possessed to a 
great degree the native ability- which characterized his father. His 
education was limited, but notwithstanding this lack of early 
advantages he made his mark in the world, and exerted a power- 
ful influence in local affairs generally. He was endowed with a 
remarkable memorj-, being able to retain and correctly impart a vast 
amount of general information. He commenced surveying at 25 
3'ears of age, and was for years considered the best land surveyor in 
the south part of Worcester county. He was good authorit}^ on real 
estate law, making it a part of his business as surve^'or to be thor- 
oughly posted thereon. He was Justice of the Peace, and was 
largel}' emploj^ed in executing deeds and other legal documents ; 
and so accurately' was this business done that little opportunity was 
afforded the lawj'ers in detecting errors. As an adviser he was 
safe to follow, and his statements were always backed b}^ proofs. 
For about thirty years, at the head of the Democratic party in 
Douglas, he ma}' be said to have controlled the town in all matters 
of importance. The question of purchasing a town farm, instead 
of renting one, as formerly, came up before the town, and encoun- 
tered his opposition. After a warm and length}' discussion, in 
which he did not approve of buying the one suggested, the propo- 
sition to purchase succeeded, and the ^Squii-e failed to carry his 
point, for the first time, probabh*, in many years. The significance 
of this victoi-y may be estimated from the. great excitement follow- 
ing, guns being fired and a general jollification taking place. 

Many incidents are related showing his rare promptness and 
accuracy in business. One of the legal hearings in which he was 
interested came on at Worcester, The counsel needed an accurate 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL — CONTINUED. 239 

plan of the land in dispute, and supposed as a matter of course 
that it was quite impossible to get it at that late hour in the trial. 
Ou learning what was needed the 'Squire A'olunteered to furnish 
it, and left Worcester for his home at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. 
The night was clear and cold, and there was some snow lying on 
the ground. On reaching his house he look the necessary survey- 
ing instruments and proceeded to the laud in question, which was 
near Shockalog Pond, made the survey b}- the light of tallow 
candles, returned to his house, made his plan, and presented it in 
court at 9 o'clock the next morning. It is hardlv necessarv to add 
that he won the case. 



EUNICE BALC03IE, 

wife of Ellis Balcome, or " Aunt Eunice," as she was universally 
known, deserves notice as one of the best and most respected 
women of Douglas. She was possessed of a mild and gentle dis- 
position, and was characterized by great strength of mind 
as well as soundness of judgment. She was also blessed with 
great powers of endurance, and was alwaj's ready to be serviceable 
to those about her, nothing but absolute necessit}' preventing her 
from rendering every assistance in her power to the sick and suf- 
fering. She was thus by years of self-sacrifice and devotion to 
others' interests endeared to them bj' strongest ties of friendship. 
In all of her intercourse with her neighbors she showed herself a 
sociable, companionable, warm-hearted friend, and she was often 
cheered b}* many tokens of the kindl}- feeling entertained for her 
b}^ all. Persons of all ages, and especially the children, greatly 
loved her society, and she was the recipient of many loving and 
deeply prized favors during her last da3-s. 



MOSES KNAPP, ESQ., 

who died Ma}^ 29, 1868, was a wealthy and influential citizen of 
our town. He was for many j^ears Superintendent of the Howe 
Mills, and Was possessed of excellent business talents. He accu- 
mulated a handsome property, and on all matters of finance he 



240 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

was considered good anthorit}', and his advice was often sought. 
Mr. Knapp married Ola Balcome, daughter of John and Milhe Bal- 
come. The following children survive him : William, Fanny, Ben- 
jamin, Mary Ann, Edward B., Moses M., Almira M., and Henry 
H. Mrs. Knapp is still living in East Douglas. 



WELC031E WHIPPLE, ESQ., 

born in Smithfleld, R. I., Sept. 12, 1772, removed about the year 
1800 to Petersham, Mass., and afterwards to Pawtueket, E. I. 
In the year 1811 he took up his residence in East Douglas, where 
he engaged in manufacturing, being one of the proprietors in the 
Douglas Cotton Manufacturing Company. 

After the lapse of some fourteen j'ears, he purchased a farm in 
South Sutton, about a mile south of the famous " Purgatorj',"^ 
where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a short time, 
after which we find him living again in East Douglas, being drawn 
thither by the solicitations of his children and grandchildren, 
with Avhom he was ever a great favorite. On his death, which oc- 
curred Nov. 18th, 1852-, his remains were buried in South Sutton. 

Mr. Whipple was in earl}^ life a Baptist, and as such he con- 
tributed largely to the erection of the Baptist church in South 
Sutton and in support of the gospel there. But his religious sym- 
pathies and efforts were by no means limited to the circle of that 
denomination. About the year 1845 he was mainly instrumental 
in establishing an Independent Methodist Church in his neighbor- 
hood, at South Sutton, erecting a building for it at his own expense, 
and sustaining its worship for years by his almost unaided lib- 
erality. 

Mr. Whipple was deservedly held in the highest respect and 
esteem by all who knew him. Repeatedly he served as Repre- 
sentative in the Massachusetts Legislature, member of the Board 
of Selectmen, Deacon, Justice of the Peace, etc. 

He was of a rather delicate organization, nervous temperament, 
of fine-grained quality', bodily and mentally, a man of taste, and not 
lacking in culture. In his boyhood he had made considerable prog- 
ress in preparing for college, and the classical predilections and 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 241 

acquisitions of his early life were not lost. He read much. The 
names he gave to his sons indicated his favorite authors, — Milton, 
Virgil, Dr3'den, Homer, Justin, CuUen. The sons all showed me- 
chanical ingenuity, and, like their father, they were all musicians. 
Two of them, Milton and CuUen, were the inventors of valuable 
machines, as the records of the United States Patent Office at 
Washington testify. His two daughters. Mar}' Ann and Ardalissa, 
were married to Mr. Jonathan Sprague and Mr. B. Norbeny, re- 
spectively. His wife, whose maiden name was Amy Whipple, and 
whom he married in Cumberland, R. I., in 1796, was one of the 
most sweet-souled, blameless, and estimable of women. She died 
Nov. 18, 1851, and sleeps by his side in the little gravej-ard at 
South Sutton. 



THEODORE STONE, 

for many years a resident of East Douglas, will be remembered 
as a man of rare financial ability and active business habits. 
Although not possessing a large fortune, yet during his life-time he 
did more than any other man to encourage industr}' by generous 
financial help. Some of the successful manufacturing enterprises 
of to-day owe their present success largely to the encouragement 
they received from Mr. Stone while they were in their infancy and 
struggling for an existence. 

His keen foresight and good judgment made him a safe adviser, 
and in later years of his life he devoted much of his time to the 
settlement of estates and the discharge of other important trusts. 

Mr. Stone came to Douglas from Leominster about the 3^ear 
1820, with his brother Luther, remaining until the time of his death. 

It is difficult, if not impossible, in a work of this kind to com- 
prise a list of all the names worth}' of particular allusion. It rnust be 
incomplete. " Time would fail us to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, 
and of Sampson, and of Jephthah ; of David also, and Samuel, and 
of the prophets." The records of the town are marked through- 
out with names of men who, in their day, were identified with the 
interests of the town as officers or faithful citizens. We mention 

16 



242 



HISTOEY OF DOUGLAS. 



the following as among those 

now living : — 

Nathaniel Fry Morse, 
Samuel Balcome, 
Benjamin BufFum, 
Jedecliah Bigelow, 
Aaron Marsh, 
Dr. Robert P. Church, 
Benjamin Cragin, 
Stephen Southworth, 
Job Knapp, 
John Thayer, 



who will be remembered by many 

Robert Rogerson, 
Caleb Whiting, 
Edmund Carpenter, 
Samuel Amidon, 
Capt. John Brown, 
Colonel Balcome, 
Parley Gould, 
Aaron Benson, 
Nathaniel Carpenter. 



CHAPTER XVI 




MANUFACTURES. 

E have had occasion akeady to refer to the spirit of 
enterprise which from the first seemed to distin- 
guish the settlers in ' ' ye four thousand acres of 
country land," as the town land grant was styled 
in the early records. Long prior to the separation from Sherborn 
this characteristic of the bold adventurers to this region shows 
itself, if not quite so creditabl3' in all respects, certainly with a 
good deal of energy, as the following extract from the Sherborn 
records shows : 

' ' Large quantities of shingles were manufactured from ye excel- 
lent cedar of Badluck and Wallura Pond cedar swamps, insomuch 
that ye people of Sherborn, to whom ye inhabitants acknowledged 
allegiance, were compelled to choose a committee and invest them 
with power to bring to punishment an}' persons that shall presume 
to cut, strip or pillage any wood or timber on said lot without 
right. Hoops and barrel-staves were also manufactured in con- 
siderable quantities by the early settlers, and transported over the 
Colou}^ Road (which was then the only road through this part of 
the Province), through the town of Mendon to Boston market. 
There was also a saw-mill in the easterly section of the town, where 
boards were manufactured, and the onty grain-mill for many miles 
around was located there." 

One of the first and most imperative demands of a newly-set- 
tled country — lumber for building purposes — having been met 
thus earty and profitabl}^, the way was naturally paved for a more 
systematic development of the manufacturing energy of the people. 
The result has proved this initial venture to have been one so well 



244 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

supplemented in the town's histoiy that it has proved a somewhat 
notable feature in its subsequent career. The following account 
of some of the earlier enterprises in this line we have taken mainly 
from the Douglas Herald : — 

THE WALLIS PLANING-MILL. 

About the year 1805 Benjamin Cragin built a saw-mill on the 
small stream which furnishes power for AVallis's box-mill, at a point 
about one-fourth of a mile from the turnpike, on a road formerly 
leading to Manchaug, but since then discontinued. It was after- 
wards owned by David Wallis. It was torn down in 1844, and 
another building, intended for an axe shop, was erected on its site 
by Dr. Ezekiel Wood, Oliver Hunt Lee and Jonathan Sprague. 
No axes were manufactured tiiere, however, and it was afterwards 
used for a grist-mill, a saw-mill and a shingle-mill. Subsequently 
an addition was made to it for the purpose of using it for a woolen 
mill, and it was then leased to Morton Smith, James Simmons and 
Eli Darhng, for the manufacture of what was called " negro cloth," 
from which fact the mill became known as the " Negro Mill." In 
the winter of 1845 it was destroyed by fire, and from that time 
until 1852 it remained unoccupied, when Joseph T. Wallis and 
Cole Arnold purchased- the privilege and erected a building for a 
planing-mill. In 1856 they took the contract for making packing 
boxes for the Douglas Axe Manufacturing Compan}', since Avhich 
time the mill has been owned and run by Joseph T. and Ira 
Wallis. In 1872 they purchased the Morse reservoir for storing a 
more ample supply- of water. In order to furnish power for this, 
mill at the time it was built (about 1849), it was found necessary 
to conduct the water through a trench excavated around the steep 
side of a hill, and several feet above its base. When the trench 
was completed and the water introduced, the soil, being of a 
sandy nature, absorbed the water to such an extent that the pond 
was exhausted before the water could reach the mill, and the enter- 
prise was deemed a complete failure ; but after repeated trials the 
trench was found to answer the purpose for which it had been 
constructed, and does so at the present day. From this circum- 
stance the privilege was known as the "Sand Bank" for many 
years. 



MANUFACTURES. 246 

SAMUEL LEGG's FULLING-MILL. 

In about a 3'ear from Mr. Cragin's investment in this direction 
Mr. Samuel Legg, a cloth dresser, who lived on the farm latterly 
known as the "Warren Hunt place," erected a small wooden 
building on the south side of the river, near the upper stone arch 
bridge, which was used as a fulling-mill. Two years afterwards 
the building was carried away b}^ a freshet, and Mr. Legg was 
financially ruined. Not being able to rebuild without assistance, 
means were furnished him for this purpose by Benjamin Adams, 
and the new building was erected on the opposite side of the river, 
on land owned by Benjamin Cragin. 

cragin's satinet-mill. 

Mr. Cragin subsequently enlarged this building by adding a 
■second story for a wool-carding department. He was the first 
manufacturer of satinet in Massachusetts. The wool was carded 
at this mill, the spinning done on hand-spinning frames, and the 
doth woven on hand-looms. The warp used was furnished at the 
Preston factor}-. In almost eveiy household there was some per- 
son who manufactured cloth on hand machines, the wool being 
carded at Cragin's mill, and the cloth dressed at Legg's fulling-mill. 

Benjamin Cragin formerly lived in Uxbridge, moving to Douglas 
about the 3'ear 1797. He married the daughter of Moses Hill, and 
built the lower part of the Lovell Southwick tenement. This he 
fitted for a store, remaining there until 1813, when Benjamin 
Adams was admitted to partnership with him, and the firm was 
styled Benjamin Cragin & Co. In the same year they built a small 
factor}' adjoining Samuel Legg's fulUng-mill, directl}' opposite to 
the dam now standing, which was designed for the manufacture of 
both cotton and woolen goods, and contained all the necessary 
machinery. They also built two of the tenement houses now 
standing near that place, besides others that have since been 
removed. 

In 1819 Josiah and John Adams were admitted to partnership. 
The firm was dissolved in April, 1824, by the Avithdrawal of Mr. 
Cragin, and was succeeded by J. Adams & Co., the members 
being Benjamin Adams and his two sons, Josiah and John. One- 
lialf of the real estate owned by the old firm was retained by Mr. 



246 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Cragin until September, 1826, when it was purchased by J. Adams 
& Co. , giving them the proprietorship of the factory, water privilege, 
machinery, tenements, etc. The old gentleman was identified 
with the business and history of his town for many j^ears, possess- 
ing wealth, energy and abihty. He represented the Worcester 
South District in the Congress of the United States from 1815 to 
1822, and died in March, 1837, honored and respected by every 
one. 

John Adams, the junior member of this firm, came from Ux- 
bridge Nov. 28^ 1814, and entered the store of Benjamin Cragin, 
& Co. as a clerk. As manufacturers of cloth, the firm would pur- 
chase cotton by the bale and distribute it among families, whO' 
were at first obliged to subject the cotton to a whipping pro- 
cess to remove the dirt, when it was picked apart and the seeds 
separated by hand. After the cotton thus prepared had been 
spun into yarn at the mill it was again distributed among weavers, 
who made it into cloth upon hand-looms, which were supjDlanted 
eventually by looms operated by water-power. 

CASSIMERE FACTORY. 

4 

After the firm of J. Adams & Co. was formed they engaged in 
the manufacture of cassimeres, running two sets of machinery. 
They also stocked a mill standing near the Baxter Morse place, 
which was run by Simeon and John Darling, for the manu- 
facture of satinets, furnishing all the wool and receiving the cloth 
from the looms before dressing. The Darlings owned two small 
mills, one of which was burned, and the other was afterwards 
moved away. They operated two sets of machinery. 

J. Adams & Co. failed March 17, 1828. Daring the preceding 
winter manufacturing business was exceedingly dull. Goods made 
at their mill wex'e consigned to commission merchants in the prin- 
cipal cities, and advances were made to them to the amount of one 
half their value. A large quantit}' of these goods remained unsold 
in the hands of the merchants, and much difficulty was experi- 
enced in raising means to meet pressing obligations. It was 
finally decided to consult with a personal friend as to the advisa- 
bility of making an assignment of all their effects and suspending 
operations. Such a consultation was held, Josiah being necessarily 
absent, as he was confined to his bed with consumption. The man 



MANUFACTURES. 247 

thus taken into confidence was shown through the establishment, 
and the exact condition of the financial affairs of the firm explained 
to him. He was asked if an assignment had not better be made, 
and his answer was, "no; there will be no difficulty in getting 
along." He • advised a mortgage of the property, to secure J. 
Capron & Sons as endorsers at the Blackstone Bank ; and such a 
mortgage was given, as appears by the records of the Registry of 
Deeds, dated March 3, 1828, for the sum of $11,771. This was 
the only incumbrance upon the property, and within ten days it 
was reduced to less than $G,000 by selling off" a portion of the 
land and applying the proceeds towards canceling the mortgage. 

Josiah Adams died on the 14th of March, and Samuel C, his 
son, died on the 22d of the same month. On the day of Josiah's 
funeral (the 17th) a son of the friend whose advice had been 
sought and followed appeared with demands against the firm, and 
the property was attached. To add to their embarrassment, J. 
Adams & Co. had endorsed a note for Paul Dudley & Son, which 
matured about this time, and was protested and sued. The writ 
was retiu-nable at the March term of the court, and, instead of 
allowing the case to be defaulted, Mr. Dudley secured a continua- 
tion of the suits against himself until June, 1829, which also 
retarded the disposition of the attachments upon the Adams prop- 
erty. Then the land was set off", in justification of this claim, at 
an appraised value not exceeding one-half its marketable price 
eighteen months before ; the costs of suits also swallowed up a 
large sum ; the right of redemption of the factory and machinery 
was sold b}- sheriff"s sale for five dollars ; and J. Adams & Co. 
were bankrupt, with heavy liabilities. It was a time of great 
financial distress all over the country, and the Messrs. Adams had 
the poor consolation of knowing, at least, that there were hundreds 
no better off" than themselves. 

In course of time the holders of the mortgage sold their interest 
to Josiah Chapin of Providence, together with an insurance policy 
for $7,000. Mr. Chapin in turn sold to Warren Hunt, $7,000 
being the price paid. In the following 3'ear the factory was de- 
stroyed b}^ fire, and the insurance was paid to Mr. Hunt, just the 
amount the whole property cost him, and leaving a valuable water 
privilege and land which cost him nothing. He received an addi- 
tional sum of $7,000 from the proprietors of the Hill factor}^ for 



248 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

the privilege of raising both dams two feet. Thus it will be seen 
that his clean profit by the transaction was $7,000, and still he was 
the possessor of all he had originally purchased, except the factory 
and contents. 

When the Adams mill was burned, Rowland G. Hazard of 
Peacedale, R. I., occupied it, and was engaged in the manufacture 
of satinets. His loss included the entire stock, cloth and machin- 
ery. In addition to the mill a two-story weaving shop, a two- 
story wood-house and a blacksmith shop were destroyed b^^ the 
conflagration. Another building, one hundred feet long, one story 
high, with basement, was saved. The upper part was used for 
drying wool, and the basement for tentering cloth. This building 
was used b}^ the Douglas Axe Compau}^ for a hatchet-forging shop 
until it was also destroyed by fire, together with the building 
adjoining. 

ELLIS BURT's plow MANUFACTORY. 

In 1824 Ellis Burt carried on the business of manufacturing the 
old-fashioned wooden plows in the basement of the brick house 
opposite the hotel in East Douglas. This was about the time cast- 
iron plows were being put in the market by Mr. Nourse of Wor- 
cester. 

EZEKiEL Preston's cotton factory. 

In the year 1808 Col. Ezekiel Preston, Welcome Whipple, 
Henry Holden, Richard Olney, Joseph Metcalf, Mr. Holman, 
Benjamin Wallis, and General Martin, from Providence, built a 
factory at what is now the lower portion of East Douglas village, 
on the site now occupied by the large stone mill. It was a large 
wooden building, used for the manufacture of cotton 3'arn, and a 
store was kept in the basement. After the building was finished 
it was known as the " Douglas Factory." At first the work was 
all performed in families, the weaving being done on hand-looms, 
and the help paid in 3'arn. The business was carried on this way 
dui'ing one summer, when hand-looms were introduced at the fac- 
tory, and men were emploj'ed to run them. The mill afterwards 
passed into the hands of Ziba Angell, who put in thirty-six upright 
looms, to run by water-power, and other machinery necessary for 
the production of cotton goods. The bell which called the opera- 
tives to work was cast at the Holbrook foundrj^ in Medway, and 



MANUFACTURES. 



249 



bears the date of 1815. Before the bell was procured a tin horn 
was used instead, the watchman standing in the belfty and sound- 
ing a blast that could be heard a very long distance. The factor^' 
was standing and in operation until about the 3'ear 1841, when it 
was removed to make room for the present structure. The small 
building on the opposite side of the river, known as the ' ' handle 
shop," was built for a machine-shop, and occupied by Nathan 




THE MOSES KNAPP PLACE, EAST DOUGLAS. 

Sweatland and Ethan Angell, manufacturers of cotton machinery. 
After a number of years the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Sweatland 
occupied the building for the inanufacture of cut nails for Benjamin 
Cragin & Co., who carried them weekly to Newton, and returned 
with material for continued production. 

In 1826-7 the building was leased by J. Adams & Co. for the 
manufacture of power looms. The saAv-mill now owned by George 
Wallis was then owned by this firm, but was sold about this time 
to Amariah Chapin of Uxbridge. In 1841 the large stone mill 
took the place of the less pretending structure, and was started 



250 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

up with eighty looms, the mimber being afterwards increased to 
one hundred and thirty-two. Mr. George Howe of Boston was- 
the principal owner. Later he was one of the owners of the Pember- 
ton mill in LaAvrence, and when it fell, a few years ago, he narrowly- 
escaped with his hfe, having just stepped out of the building when 
the terrible disaster occurred. Moses Knapp was the Agent, and 
from the authority delegated to him the mill was generally knowft 
as the "Knapp Mill," although he claimed no ownership in it. 
Fenner Batcheller became Agent in place of Mr. Knapp. 

THE LOVETT MILL. 

In the year 1814 a forge was standing on the site of the Doug- 
las Axe Company's machine-shop, in the rear of their office, which, 
was owned and operated by a man named Waters of Millbur3\. 
The property' afterwards came into the possession of Gale & Fare- 
well. The building was of good size, one stor}' in height, but 
covered considerable surface, in which all kinds of ironwork, such. 
as heavy shafting and wrought-iron mill machinery, was carried 
on. Mr. Farewell occupied the small cottage house on the knoll, 
corner of Main and Cook streets, and about the year 1820 Mr.. 
Gale erected the two-story building back of the office. 

The present factory was built in 1827 by Paris and Micah Hill, 
who sold it to the Douglas Manufacturing Compan3^ 

Mr. Samuel Lovett, one of the firm, soon after disposed of his 
interest in the Howe Factory and became sole owner in the Lovett 
mill, continuing in business until 1849, when Warren Hunt pur- 
chased the establishment for the Douglas Axe Manufacturing Co. 
Most of the time when in operation J. B. Whipple was the Agent. 

SOUTHWORTIl's GRIST-MILL. 

Formerl}' a grist-mill was standing near Southwdck's wheel- 
wright shop, which was owned by Stephen South worth. It re- 
mained there until about 1814, when it disappeared. 

carpenter's tannery. 

For many years there was a tannery at Centerville, built by 
Edmund Carpenter, Jr., who carried on the business several years. 
He was succeeded by his son Nathaniel, whose death occurred 



MANUFACTURES. 251 

but a few months afterwards, and the business was again taken 
by his father, and continued b^' him until 1836, when the buildings 
were torn down. 

carpenter's shoe factory. 

The shoe business was carried on by Comfort and Seba Carpen- 
ter at Centerville prior to 1837, when they commenced the man- 
ufacture of sale work, continuing until 1854, employing about 
sixty workmen. In 1856 the building was taken down, and the 
frame removed to East Douglas, when it was remodeled into a. 
dwelling-house, which is now owned by Mr. Nelson Jones. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



AXE MANUFACTURING. 




ANUFACTURING edge tools, and 
axes ill particuLai', has long been a 
distinguishing feature of manufactur- 
ing industry in Douglas. It has not 
only drawn hither some of the best 
practical mechanicians of the da^-, but 
it has furnished the most uninter- 
rupted employment to a large num- 
ber of people, the steadily advanc- 
ing popularity of the axes made by 
the Douglas Axe Manufacturing Co. keeping their extensive works 
in full operation often- when similar establishments in different 
parts of the country' have been compelled to either shut down or 
to run on short time. It has come to be well understood that the 
production of axes is intermitted only when the annual taking 
account of stock necessitates a stoppage, and then only for the 
briefest possible interval. Nearly all the available water-power 
within the limits of the town is utilized by the many wheels driv- 
ing the machinery of this establishment. A large capital is of 
course required in the management of a business which has gained 
such renown, the demand for their tools reaching quite to the limits 
of civilization. 

Like nearly all similar projects, axe-making had an obscure 
and humble origin. About the year 1798 Joseph and Oliver Hunt 
built a small wooden shop on the site of the old axe shop lately 
demolished on Main street in East Douglas in which they carried 
on the general custom blacksmithing business. The old shop 
stood near the present residence of Rev. William T. Briggs. It 
would happen, as a mere matter of course, that among the miscel- 



AXE MANUFACTURING. 



265 



laneous work done at such an establishment a damaged axe 
would now and then be brought for reparation. Occasionally one 
of these indispensable implements to the farmer would need re- 
modeling, a job which the Hunt brothers did not hesitate to 
undertake, and which they accomplished so successfully, making 
the renewed axe better than when bought, that their work in this 
line gradualh' grew on their hands ; and it was not long before axes; 
of their own make became so popular as to require almost their sole 
attention to meet the demand for them. 

After a few years, during which the quality of their tools 
secured for them great public favor, a second establishment for- 





MODERN AXE. 



OLD AXE MADE IN 1825- 



their production was thought to be needed, and accordinglj^ a new 
shop was built at the Center, with Oliver Hunt to manage it, Jo- 
seph remaining in the business at the old one. But the condition 
of the business was not quite equal to the capacity furnished by 
the two shops, and as a result, after a hard struggle against finan- 
cial difficulties, the proprietors failed. Arrangements were made, 
however, whereby Joseph retained the old shop at East Douglas, 
and Oliver went to work for David Dudley, forging axes in the 
shop which the firm had lately owned. Lindle}^ & Morse then 
carried on the business for a while, and were succeeded by David 
Philipps. In 1814 a new partnership was formed by the indefati- 



254 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

gable brothers, but it continued onl}' for a short time, the property 
on this faihire passing into the hands of Job Knapp and Jesse 
Balcome, but it was shortly purchased by Oliver Hunt, whose two 
sons, Warren and Otis, were soon at work again in the old shop 
with him, the sound of their hammers being heard early and late, 
and the business soon taking on a new degree of prosperity. A 
few axes, among the first that the}^ made, were taken to Provi- 
dence, but they failed to find a sale. Mr. Benjamin Cragin then 
tried the Boston market, where the reputation of the Hunt tools had 
probabl}' come to be better known, and through those extensive 
hardware merchants of that day, Messrs. Charles Scudder and W. T. 
Eustis, the}' found read}' purchasers, and from this time it rapidly 
came to be true that neither the makers nor venders of these axes 
found them a drug either in the general business, houses or at the 
retail stores in the rural districts. Indeed, one of the chief diffi- 
culties which had to be encountered, and which was quite inevi- 
table in the then sparselj'-settled state of the country, was the lack 
of ready transportation, not to say an^'thing about its promptness. 
A forty-mile trip, over rude and rough highwa3's, with only a half 
ton even of freight, was a very different thing from such a venture 
to-day. All their tools must be got to market often by ox-teams, 
and the raw material procured in the same manner. Mr. Asa 
Thayer relates that when he was about seventeen years of age he 
and Warren Hunt drove a span of horses to Boston with a load 
of hatchets. They were all night making the journey, arriving in 
town at daylight. As they passed along Beacon street numerous 
purchasers were found, and after considerabl}" reducing the load 
the balance was disposed of to a merchant in Dock Square. Thej'' 
arrived home in season to take part in a grand muster which oc- 
curred on the following day, and which probably- fully explained 
the dispatch characterizing this possibl}' first express trip. 

Mr. Cragin's success in selling axes led to an an^angement 
whereby he was to dispose of all that could be manufactured, and 
to furnish the iron and steel — an arrangement which was found 
to be profitable to all parties, and served greatly to increase the 
business. As often as once a week he carried a load of axes to 
Boston, and invariably found for them a ready market. 

An increase of business necessitated an increase of room and 
power, and consequently a new shop was built, which was used 




UPPER WORKS. 




HOWE FACTORY. 




? 5 1 11 



GILBOA. 



WORKS OF THE DOUGLAS AXE MANUFACTUKING COMPANY. 



256 - HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

for forging and grinding. This building is now standing near the 
site of the original shop, and is used for an ice-house. About the 
year 1823 the old shop on Main street was destro3'ed by flre, and 
another was erected in its place. After man}- years of service 
this was torn down to make way for important improvements on 
Main street. 

The first axe stamp was made with two cold chisels, one of 
them straight and the other round. The round one was made by 
punching a hole in the end of a piece of round steel, and then 
filing the circle to an edge. With these tools the marks made 
upon the axes were about as follows, which were supposed to 
stand for ' ' Joseph & Oliver Hunt " : — 

I H 

The improvements made in stamps are no less conspicuous than 
those which pervade all other departments of the works. Instead 
of using cold chisels, clean and sj^mmetrical inscriptions are now 
cut by skilled workmen upon steel, which is afterwards hardened, 
and these impressions are left upon the axes in well-defined letters, 
giving all necessary information in regard to the manufacturers, 
etc. Much of the labor then performed by hand is now accom- 
plished b}' the introduction of valuable machiner}', some of which 
was invented b}- men employed by the company, and used in no 
other manufactory'. One of the most important of these machines 
is called the " rolls," which was invented by Mr. Charles Hutch- 
ins, and the patent right is now held by the Compan}'. 

Warren Hunt took the management of affairs into his own 
hands when al)out eighteen years of age. The first men emploj^ed 
by him were Charles Parish and George Reynolds, who worked in 
the upper shop, making cast-steel axes. Previous to that time the 
axe-bits were made of " blister steel," welded on the pattern in- 
stead of set into it, as now. Mr. Hunt immediately commenced 
enlarging the works, and built the "brick shop" on the side of 
Legg's fulling-mill that had been carried away by a freshet. This 
building was used for drawing patterns, grinding, polishing, black- 
ing, handling, etc. ; and all the boxes for packing were made here 
besides. Then the stone factory was built, on the opposite side 
of the river, and the grinding, polishing, and a part of the forging 
■was. removed to it. Solid "blind-eyed" hatchets were forged 




I.OVETT WORKS. 




HEAD AND BIT FORGING SHOPS. 



WORKS OF THE DOUGLAS AXE MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 
17 



258 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

here, the e3^es being drilled out by Aaron M. Hill. The drilling- 
machine used for this purpose was an invention of Cullen Whipple. 

The old hatchet shop was originally a barn, and was used for 
a forge shop. The tempering shop was built afterwards, and ad- 
ditions were made to each. The shop next to the road was built 
about 1855. These were all burned b}' an incendiary fire in Octo- 
ber, 1875, and more commodious shops were immediately rebuilt 
on the site of the old ones. 

About the year 1832 a partnership was formed ))etween Warren 
Hunt and Capt. Alexander Scndder. Captain Scudder was a 
man of considerable means, having followed the seas for the 
greater part of his hfe. His brother (Mr. Charles Scudder of 
Boston), wishing to induce him to give up that mode of life, and 
Icnowing that Warren Hunt was in need of more capital for his 
increasing business, finally persuaded the Captain to settle down 
and engage with Mr. Hunt in axe manufacturing. For nearly 
three years a flourishing business was carried on, during which 
time Captain Scndder built as a residence the house now owned 
by Mr. Edwin Moore. Although comfortably situated and pros- 
perous in business, he was not satisfied. His longing for a sea- 
faring life grew upon him. and at last became so strong that he 
could resist it no longer. He decided to weigh anchor, and sold 
out his interest to Mr. Hunt, who remained sole propi'ietor until 
1835, wlien a stock company was formed, under the name of the 
'' Douglas Axe Manufacturing Co.," of which AVilham T. Eustis 
was President (with the exception of two years, when Mr. Rogers 
filled the office,) till his death, which occurred May 5th, 1874. L. 
W. Swett, Esq., was his successor. The present board of officers 
consists of A. T. Perkins, Esq., President; D. D. Dana, Treas- 
urer ; E. Moore, Agent. 

The following men were among those employed in axe-making 
prior to the incorporation of the Axe Company, many of whom are 
now living, and their names will be at once recognized b}^ our 
older residents : Otis Hunt, Oliver Hunt, Anderson Hunt, Joseph 
Hunt, George Ile3'nolds, Jonathan Sprague, Caleb Legg, Solon 
Tupper, John B. Hunt, Estus Balcome, Frank Marcy, Gird Marcy, 
Thomas Dimsy, Michael Herral, Benjamin Smith, George Wade, 
Murray Lovett, Luther Stone, and William Hemenwa3\ 




MEDALS AWAEBED TO DOUGLAS AXE MANUPACTUEING COMPANY. 




THE WORLD'S FAIR, LONDON, MEDAL, 1863. 





THE VIENNA EXPOSITION MEDAL, 18G3. 



262 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

The year 1847 was a severe one for manufacturing interests 
generall3', and the Company decided to allow Wai-ren Hunt to take 
the business into his own hands, they furnishing the stock and 
making an arrangement with him in regard to a percentage on 
sales. But the market for axes unexpectedly revived, so that the 
works were taxed to their utmost capacitj^ to supply' the demand. 
The result was that at the end of the year Mr. Hunt's net profits 
amounted to about $10,000. In view of these encouraging pros- 
pects the Company decided to resume the business permanently, 
and enlarged their works, as business increased, until they have 
reached the present proportions. 

The principal portion of the Company's works at that time were 
located at Gilboa, which were originally owned by O. Hunt & 
Brothers and used for the manufacture of scythes. The Axe cor- 
poration leased them for the manufacture of axes until the time 
when they acquired possession of them by purchase, which was in 
1854. 

For some years subsequent to the time when" the shops were 
built there was no public road leading from East Douglas village 
to Gilboa, and the water for driving the machiner}' was supplied 
by means of a trench. In severe Ij- cold weather the water in this 
trench would become so clogged by the ice that the shops would 
be obliged to suspend work in consequence. This came at length 
to be a source of so much trouble that various experiments were 
tried for its abatement. One of these was to sink a number of 
junk bottles through holes cut into the ice, first filling them with 
powder, and then exploding them by the aid of a fuse. This suc- 
ceeded, so far as shattering the ice wa's concerned, but the cold 
quickl}' congealed the mass of broken ice into a worse condition 
than before, and the experiment had to be abandoned. It was 
finally seen that the only efl^ectual plan was to purchase and flow 
the " Knapp Interval," so-called, which not onl}- broke up the 
troublesome ice embargo, but also furnished a more reliable supply 
of water for driving the machinery'. 

In the old shop, which is now standing below the trench, Mr. 
Ephraim K. Copeland drew the steel for the axe "bits." The 
trip-hammers then in use were called "jumpers," and have since 
gone out of date. A pair of heavy shears for cutting the bars of 
iron stood in a building which is now used as a shed, west of the 




OLD RED SHOP, COTTAGE STREET, 1878. 




FARM BUILDINGS OF DOUGLAS AXE MANUFACTURING CO., EAST DOUGLAS. 



264 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

stone shop. The rolls, invented by Mr. Charles Hutchins, were 
set up by him, assisted hj Mr. Dexter Whipple, in the low stone 
shop. They were started in 1842 by Mr. Whipple, who has con- 
tinued to run them ever since. After removing them from the 
stone shop to the one built of wood, near the road, they were 
again removed (in 1854) to the new shops then just completed at 
East Douglas. Another set of rolls was started at the same time, 
and have since been run by Mr. McDonough Whipple. 

In 1858 the Company commenced the manufacture of Spanish 
machets, cane-knives, etc., at Gilboa, and more than one hun- 
dred and fifty patterns of these tools have been made. During 
the War (in 1862 and '63) swords and sabre bayonets were manu- 
factured. The knife business continued until 1869. Axe-forging 
and grinding, however, has been carried on there uninterruptedly 
since the manufacture of scythes was discontinued, and at present 
the works are used for forging picks, mattocks, bench axes and 
adzes, grinding all these tools, and for repairing machinery. 

The Lovett mill was purchased b3- theCompau}^ in 1854, at the 
same time of the purchase of the premises at Gilboa ; and the 
Howe factory was bought in 1864, both these establishments being 
converted into axe shops at the time of changing owners, and ad- 
ditions made to them as required. In the summer of 1869 the 
upper new shops were enlarged, two additional shops being con- 
structed, one 40x40 in size, and the other 40x60, by which the 
facilities for manufacturing were increased about one-third. 

thayer's gkist and saw-mill. 

The mill now owned by A. J. Thayer was luiilt by Moses 
Knapp, Esq., about the year 1853, and w/is known as " Knapp's 
Mill" until 1872, when Mr. Thayer became its proprietor. At 
that time it consisted of a circular saw-mill and grist-mill, with 
but one run of granite stones, which were driven by a breast- 
wheel of the rudest construction. About a 3'ear from that date 
the old machinery was removed, to make way for one of the Lane 
Improved saw-mills. In 1878 the buildings were greatly enlarged, 
and the grist-mill facilities more than doubled by the introduction 
of one of Lane's Monitor turbine wheels of fort^'-horse power. 
The mill has now two run of French burr stones, two elevators 
and a corn cracker, and furnishes storage room for six thousand 



AXE MANUFACTURING. 265 

bushels of corn, sixteen hundred bushels of oats, one car-load of 
shorts, and has considerable storage capacity outside of the mill 
itself. 

logee's carriage manufactory. 

The building owned by S. Logee, and previously occupied for 
about twenty years b}' Mr. Logee as a country blacksmithery, Mr. 
Gleason's wheelwright-shop and Luke S. Keith's paint shop, wa& 
destro^-ed by fire Nov. 16, 1870, but was immediately rebuilt by 
Mr. Logee, who continued the blacksmith and wheelwright busi- 
ness, W. C. Brown run the shoeing department, Hugh Greene the 
harness-making business, and E. Burgess, Amasa Bufflngton, A. 
N. Bridges and Adelburt Hamar successively occupied the paint- 
ers' premises. Mr. Logee in 1877 added to his facilities a ten- 
horse-power engine, together with a band and circular saw and 
lathe. 

wellman's grist-milt.. 

During the winter of 1877-78 the steam grist-mill owned and: 
run \)y William H. Wellman was built. It is favorabl}' situated 
near the depot, on the line of the New York and New England 
railroad, from whose cars the grain is unloaded direct. The mill 
is capable of storing sixty tons of grain, and has one run of French 
burr stones, which is driven by an eighteen-horse-power engine. 

THE LEE & MURDOCK SHODDY-MILL. 

In 1863 the large wooden factor}^ now occupied by Lee & 
Murdock was erected b}^ Dea. Warren Hunt, near the old Eagle 
grist-mill, the Mimiford river furnishing water-power for fifty- 
eight looms. It was used by him for the manufacture of cotton 
goods for nearly a j'ear, when it lay idle until 1867. The property 
then passed into the hands of Nelson AVilliams, who at that time 
operated the Eagle grist-mill near by. On the 30th of Septem- 
ber, 1869, the mill, land and machinery was sold at public auction 
to C. P. Whitin, for $14,700. A. F. Jones bought thirteen of the 
looms for Si, 375. In 1870 a portion of the Eagle grist mill was 
rented to Lee & Whittemore, who manufactured shoddy for about 
a year, when they went into bankruptcy. The whole estate was 
soon purchased by Moses Taft of Uxbridge, and others, and a 



266 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

copartnership was formed between D. M. Lee of East Douglas, 
and L. H. Murdock of Uxbridge, who leased the entire estate 
and commenced the manufacture of shoddy, under the st^le of Lee 
& Murdock. They have since increased their facilities from time 
to time, and at the present time are doing an extensive business. 

In 1874 they erected a brick fire-proof picker house, 60x31 in 
size, and a two-story engine-house in 1875, into which they put 
an eighty-horse-poTyer engine built by Corliss. 

They have now eighteen cards and six pickers in operation. 
Their work is all done under contract for other parties, and they 
have the rej^utation of manufacturing as good all-wool shoddies as 
any firm in New England, their goods being used in the finest 
textile fabrics, and the quality and staple being nearly equal to 
wool. On the 1st of April, 1878, a stock company was incorpor- 
ated, with a capital of $50,000, the real estate consisting of the 
mill, the water-power, and the Preston House, transferred to them. 
Lee & Murdock still continue the business. 

mechanics' block 

is a building 28x80 feet in size, two stories high, and situated on 
the south side of Main street, in the rear of the Methodist church. 
This block was erected in 1871 by Messrs. Luke S. Keith, Joseph 
Bowen, George A. Gleason and W. W. Brown. Being unable to 
lease suitable workshops for their increasing business, and being 
dependent upon each other in their business relations, they formed 
themselves into a copartnership on the 9th of June in that year, 
under the name of the " Mechanics' Association," for the purpose 
■of erecting a building in which they might conduct their business 
•more successfully. 

The building is occupied by a wheelwright and undertaker's 
shop on the first floor, and for sign-painting, carriage-painting and 
trimming and harness-making above. The land which it occupies 
was purchased of the Trustees of the Methodist church. To 
accommodate the carriage business more completely, a piece of 
land was presented b}' the Association to Mr. Sypline Rivers, upon 
which he erected a blacksmith shop, 38x40 feet, which was also 
completed in 1871, providing facilities for a complete harness and 
vcarriage manufactory^, and also one for the manufacture and repair- 



AXE MANUFACTURING. 267 

ing of fiirnitare, not omitting a mnch-needed equipment with steam 
power by two of tlie parties in the building, thus making it a first- 
class establishment of its kind. 

The parties now occupying the building are the following : 
George A. Gleason, wheelwright shop, furnished with a twelve- 
horse-power engine, and a circular-saw for heavy work ; Joseph 
Brown, undertaker's shop and cabinet factor}', and repair shop, 
with a two-horse-power engine, circular saw, lathe, and baud and 
jig-sawing machinery; L. S. Keith, carriage and sign-painter; 
Willard Whipple, successor to W. W. Brown in the harness shop ; 
Sypline Rivers, horse-shoeing and general blacksmithing. 

EAGLE GRIST-MILL. 

There is now no means of determining when the original Eagle 
grist-mill was built. It was standing long before the old forge 
was built, and was then in so dilapidated a condition that it seemed 
as though it might tumble down at au}^ time. The second one 
was erected in its place about the year 1795, at which time a new 
dam was built. It came into the possession of Colonel Preston 
about 1800, through his wife's father, Timothy Taft, who owned 
and run it for many years before, and continued to run it till 1827, 
the time of his death. It was then carried on by Dorris Willard 
and Frank Taft until the death of Mrs. Preston in 1838, when it 
passed into their hands, they being heirs of Colonel Preston. 

Willard Taft built the present mill, using therefor a portion of 
the old timber, and putting in an iron wheel. The mill was run 
by Frank Taft and Justin Whipple, who manufactured plow beams 
and handles for about a year. It finalh^ came into the hands of 
Deacon Hunt, who built a new mill, and added to the regular bus- 
iness that of grinding bones and plaster. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 




DESCRIPTION OF THE WORKS OF THE DOUGLAS AXE MANUFACTUR- 
ING COMPANY. 

HAT an enterprise so apparently unpromising at 
the start as was that of axe-inaking in Douglas a. 
half century ago should attain so prominent a 
rank, and also a celebrity so nearly world-wide ia 
that interval, is rare indeed. Nevertheless, so it 
las come t(^ pass ; and the intrinsic interest involved in this fact 
would seem of itself to render desirable a general description of a. 
branch of purely American industry so judiciously managed as has 
been the fact with this, and also as much as practicable of its de- 
tails. The following slip shows the reputation acquired abroad 
for this Company's productions : — 

" Schliemann labored long with Mr. Gladstone before the latter 
would commit himself to the delicate task of writing a preface for 
' Myceme,' but a firm at Sheffield, England, which is making 
American axes, was more fortunate. In a critical review of this 
useful implement the ex-premier says : ' I am very glad you have 
added, that useful article, the American axe, to the list of our 
home productions ; and I thank 3'on for favoring me with a speci- 
men which seems, on as much trial as I have made, to possess all 
the merits of the original. I find it necessary to study efficiency 
in proportion and weight, and it is under this issue that I think 
the American axe comes out well, especially for soft or free- 
grained woods. The handle is, I think, excellent ; but I alwaj^s 
wish it were cut straight across at the end, at a right angle to its 
direction or axis.' " 

The capital required to conduct the business of the Douglas 
Axe Manufacturing Company amounts to $400,000. This is in- 
vested mainly in the large number of buildings and mechanical 




ISUPEBIQRAXESj 
BEST RUINED C^SISnELfe 

^ nmt OOUSLkS, MM5. • -J^- 





1- • ,. HUNT'S, ' 

I SUPERIOR AXES 

siBESTREFiNEOCASTSTtll 




D ' E 

PATTEKNS OF AXES MADE BY THE DOUGLAS AXE MANUFACTURING CO. 
A Ohio, B Yankee Bevel, C Double Bit, D Michigan, B Kentucky. 



270 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

appliances which extend for a full mile along the banks of the 
Mumford river, in the central portion of the village of East 
Douglas. 

The departments into which axe-making naturally divides itself" 
are four, each of which requires separate buildings more or less- 
in extent and number. The most diversified of these departments- 
is that in which the forging of the axes is done, which also gives^ 
employment to the largest number of workmen ; then comes that 
in which the grinding is performed, four different processes being 
necessary in this stage of the work ; next the tempering of the 
axe is attended to, and the polishing and grading of the tools 
come in as a finality. 

For the accomplishment of all these features of the business, of 
which the above is merely an outline, no small amount of motive 
power must of course be provided. This the unpretentious stream 
flanking the various laboratories happil}^ supplies, through the nu- 
merous water-Avheels with which they are equipped. In case this 
reliance should ever fail, however, a powerful steam-engine is qui- 
etl}' awaiting the summons to dutj' as a substitute in operating the 
multitude of trip-hammers, ponderous grindstones, and emery- 
wheels of all dimensions. 

The amount of iron requisite for the average annual production 
of the establishment reaches twelve hundred tons, into which over 
three hundred tons of cast-steel are incorporated. The item of 
coal j'early consumed foots up twent3'-five hundred tons ; the 
quantity of grindstones used up in the same time amounts to^ 
twelve hundred tons, full $100 worth being ground away during 
every working day ; nearl}- $30,000 worth of axe and hatchet 
handles is required per year ; and the monthly pay-roll averages 
$13,000. 

With this general profile of what is requisite for the manufac- 
ture of axes, let us now turn our attention to a few of the princi- 
pal details involved, tracing the procoss from the long, rough bars- 
of iron at the doors of Shop No. 1 to the tastefully-finished imple- 
ment awaiting our inspection in the packing-room. 

Powerful shears first cut up the iron bars into " blanks " of about 
six inches in length. A furnace receives these till they are brought 
to a red heat, when they are run through a set of rolls, which 
gives to the lurid metal the tolerable appearance of the head and 



AXE MANUFACTURING. 



271: 



n 




OVERCOAT 
STEEL. 




about half of the blade of an axe. A little further on, after a some- 
what lengthy series of hand and trip-hammer manipulations, the 
embryo axe is completed in form by having added to it nearly a 
pound of the best of steel for the blade, which is so imbedded in 
the bitt of the tool, by careful welding and repeated hammering, 
as to insure a good cutting edge for years of hard usage and 

grinding. There may be man}' brands of 
axes in the market that can show a greater 
spread of steel on the surface of the blade, 
but the aim of the Douglas Company is to 
produce one whose cutting quality is re- 
tained as long as there is enough of the im- 
plement left to be called an axe. The 
numerous trip-hammerings as well as hand 
beatings through which the tool passes is 
quite as much for the purpose of securing 
the utmost scientific form and symmetry 
as to give it complete solidity, since the 
shape of the tool, as regards the face, 
edge and sides, has more to do with its - 
efficiency in cutting than a cursory thought 
would suggest. 

And when, at length, the tool drops 
from the tongs of the last in the list of 
forgers, it is ready for the next stage, that 
is, unless the inspector in his inexorable 
round of duty should chance to condemn 
it as not being up to standard, either in 
shape, welding or forging. In this case 
it goes directly back to the unwar}^ man 
THE DOUGLAS ^t whosc door the fault lies, since every 



AXE BIT. 



finisher's stamp tells instantly who is to- 
blame. The visitor can hardly fail to be struck with the fact that 
this is no place for a bungler. He would be kept so constantly 
at the profitless task of reconstruction that he could not stand it, 
an}' more than the Company could afl[brd him shop-room or mate- 
rials for such a costly experimentation. 

The formative stage is now complete, and the grinders next 
have charge of the axe. It may startle the reader somewhat to> 



272 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

be told that among all the men emploj^ed in this division of the 
estabUshment not one can be enrolled on any life insurance com- 
pany's books. But nevertheless such is the case, so perilous to an 
average length of life is the grinder's task. Tlie huge and rapidly- 
whirling stones over which the}^ bend in their daily toil not only 
wear awa}- the hard metal from the axe, but the almost impalpable 
dust developed in the process, both from the iron and the stone, so 
pervades the room that its inhalation with almost every breath is 
inevitable, notwithstanding the stones themselves are constantly 
dripping with water. Tlie " grinders' consumption " is the doom of 
only a few years' postponement in most cases. Adding somewhat 
to the peril, many of the men seem really to be sitting astride their 
stones, " riding horses" as it is termed, that they ma}- bring their 
whole avoirdupois to bear upon the tool while grinding, and thus 
materially expediting the work. The rate at which these huge 
grindstones are used up is astonishing. One of them measuring full 
seven feet in diameter will have been so worn away by three weeks' 
use as to require replacing with a new one. And now and then, 
but fortunately not often, a stone bursts, in consequence of some 
imperceptible flaw, or the too great centrifugal force acquired in 
its rapid motion, when the track of the flying fragments is marked 
by the fearful mutilation if not the instant death of the man who 
chances to be grinding probabl}', but certainly by the terrible 
shattering of the machinery or building. 

The axe is now ready for the third stage in its progress, and 
the temperers next assume its management. However essential 
the preceding operations maj' be regarded, this must be conceded 
to be of the first importance, since however finel}^ shaped, well 
forged, or how excellent soever the materials entering into the 
construction of an axe, without the most skilled attention to the 
tempering it is just about worthless. The first thing done by the 
temperer is to make the tool as hard as possible, and this is effect- 
ed by heating it until it becomes cherry red in color, and then 
immediately plunging it into a bath of the strongest brine. It is 
then exposed to the heat of a small coal fire until, from the thin 
edge to the thickest part of the blade, the precise colors are 
brought out which indicate the exact temper required, when an- 
other cold bath puts it in a permanently serviceable condition, 
reminding us of the legend of the warrior, who could not wait for 




BROAD HATCHET, 




SHINGLING HATCHET. 




LATHING HATCHET. 




AJCE PATTERN HATCHET. 



PATTEENS OF HATCHETS MADE BT THE DOUGI.AS AXE MANUFACTUEmG CO. 



18 



274 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

the finishing of his armor at the forge, but seizing it red hot, rode 
swiftl}^ forth, and was surprised at finding the cold air had tempered 
it into an excellent steel weapon. The utmost care is taken in 
this department, so different from the practice in other establish- ' 
ments, in order that each individual axe may have the same durable 
quality secured to its entire steel equipment ; and the emploj'es here, 
for that reason, would come under the head of watchmen more strict- 
ly than workmen, since only through the most careful observation of 
the varying color in every tool while under this fiery test can the 
differing degrees of hardness at the edge and middle of the blade 
be secured. 




CLAW HATCHET. 



The finishing up of the axes in the polishing rooms is the last 
process. This is accomplished by the aid of emery-wheels large and 
small, coarse and fine, and needs no description from us. It is 
simply the aesthetical department, where the painstaking artisans 
may well be pardoned for pausing a little while just to beautify an 
implement so well cared for b^' their brother workmen, from first to 
last, as they send it out to win golden compliments from the great 
army of " hewers of wood and drawers of — " blood, sometimes, if 
those who wield a Douglas axe are not as sharp as these tools are 
capable of being, with fair usage, alwaj's and ever^'where. 

It only remains for us to follow the bright^ polished axes to 
the apartment where, after being separated into the three grades 
manufactured, they are stamped, bronzed and labeled ready for 
packing in boxes, some with the helves and handles complete, and 
the rest in nests of a dozen, for convenience in handling. 



CHAPTER XIX 



INCIDENTS. 



ROBBERY OF THE AXE COMPANY'S SAFE. 




MOXG the various inci- 
dents connected with the 
histoiy of the town, none 
probably have caused so 
deep an interest as the 
following, the main par- 
ticulars of which we tran- 
scribe from the columns 
of the Douglas Weekly 
Herald of May 22, 1869 : 
Our usually' quiet com- 
munity was suddenly 
thrown into the wildest excitement last Saturday morning (May 15) , 
by the discovery that the office of the Douglas Axe Manufacturing 
Co., which is located in a building standing by itself in the very 
heart of our village, and almost literall}' surrounded by dwelling- 
houses, had been during the preceding night made the scene of 
one of the most daring burglaries. The startling fact was not 
discovered until after 7 o'clock, when Mr. Charles A. Hunt, one 
of the clerks, was engaged in opening the office for the daj' as 
usual. The Agent, Mr. Eldwin Moore, was quickly notified of 
what had taken place, and himself andthe office employes as soon 
as practicable commenced an investigation as to the extent of the 
depredations committed. 

It was soon ascertained that the burglars eflfected their entrance 
to the building through the east outside door, by turning the door- 



276 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

key which had been left in the lock on closing the office the even- 
ing previous. This key was found subsequently on the bridge 
below the office which leads to the finishing shops. After getting 
inside the building, the door leading to the counting-room was 
easily forced open, apparently with one of several jimmies with 
which the burglars were equi})ped. The Company's heavy iron 
safe was situated in the farther corner of a room opening from the 
counting-room, and this was moved entirely across this room, 
through the door and into the middle of the counting-room, a dis- 
tance of nearly fifteen feet. This was done evidently for the 
purpose of getting the safe as far as possible from the dwellings 
in the rear of the office, as less likely to expose their operations 
to be heard. And now, of course, the real work of the gang com- 
menced. Up to this point it had been to them but child's play, 
and with their accomplished burglars' outfit they attacked the mass- 
ive safe. Probabl}' its outer door was opened with comparative 
ease, but the inner door must have given them a good deal of 
trouble, as they evidentlj^ found themselves completely baffled, 
even after cutting off the hinges of this door, and were at last com- 
pelled to abandon their efforts at this point. They then turned 
their attention to the top of the safe, where the}" tried the driving 
of iron wedges into tha angle formed by the junction of the front 
and upper plates of the inside compartment. In this they so far 
succeeded that, with the aid of a peculiarly-shaped iron hook with 
which they had come provided, they fished out of the drawers in 
the upper part of the safe nearly' everything of value which the}' 
contained, comprising government bonds, certificates of stock, and 
some $50 in money. The latter they probabl}'' overlooked, and it 
was found where it had been placed at the close of Friday's lousiness. 
This robber}' must have been the work of a gang of pretty 
thoroughly experienced l)urglars. No two persons could easily 
have moved the ponderous iron safe for such a distance, besides 
lifting it over the threshold of the door through which it was taken. 
An experienced safe manufacturer, after closely examining the 
matter, pronounced the job skillfully done, the only thing indicat- 
ing inexperience in the business being the attempt to get at the 
valuables by cutting the hinges of the inside door. This must 
have taken them considerable time and hard work to accomplish, 
and besides it was all labor lost, since when this had been effected 



INCIDENTS. 



277 



they were not any nearer their object than when they commenced, 
as the hinges were merely designed for the door to swing upon, and 
the strong lateral working bolts inside this door effeetnally resist- 
ed all attempts at forcing it open. Their expertness at the 
desperate business is made still clearer from the fact that when 
they found themselves foiled at this point, where they evidently 
expected only a slight obstacle, they directed their efforts to the 
only remaining vulnerable point in the safe. The edges of the top 




RESIDENCE OF A. F. BROWN, ESQ. 

and front plates did not overlap each other, but simply met together, 
leaving just enough of a chink to admit the entering of a sharp 
wedge, and in this manner the work of distending this small open- 
ing sufficiently for their purpose was comparatively an easy task. 
The scene presenting itself to the clerk on opening the door of 
the main office, on that Saturda}^ morning, must have been shock- 
ing indeed. Close by the door which he had just opened stood the 
wreck of what was, on the previous evening, a highly finished and 
apparently immovable safe. Scattered about the floor, in every 



278 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

direction, was a perfect medle}' of burglarious implements, such as 
jimmies, cold chisels, wedges, hammers, etc., while the fractured 
lid of the office desk, with the open door of the safe which had 
been so secure h^ locked the night before, completed the picture of 
violence and ruin so suddenl}" and unexpectedly bursting on his 
astonished vision. 

The safe was permitted to remain undisturbed till the following 
Monday, to enable the officers to make all necessar}' examinations 
preparatory to entering upon their search for the perpetrators. 
Several experienced detectives came from Boston, Providence, 
and other points, including the chief of police from Boston, and 
Sheriff Shumwa}' from Webster, A detective from Providence 
took a description of a couple of suspicious-looking pei'sons who 
had been seen lurking about town the day previous to the robbery, 
to see if the}- could not be identified as a couple of New York 
roughs who had been ' ' spotted " in that city. 

The professional burglar always proceeds S3'stematicall3' about 
whatever scheme he undertakes, rareh' venturing upon the con- 
summation of his plans till they are thoroughly matured, even if 
to secure this weeks and months of closest watching and plotting 
are requisite ; and that this was true in this instance there is little 
room to doubt. In the" first place the members of the gang were 
evidently aware of the fact that as a rule the funds for pa3ing off' 
the emploj'es are sent from the Boston office to the resident offi- 
cers here only on the afternoon prior to pa^'-day, which comes 
regularl}' on the 15th of each month. The works of the Company 
were now running at nearly or quite their maximum capacity, re- 
quiring some $25,000 monthly for the wages of the men, and no 
better time for the " planting " of their job, as in burglarious tech- 
nology the commencement of active opei-ations is st3'led, would be 
likely to offer itself. Very fortunately for the Company, however, 
on this occasion the money was forwarded somewhat later than 
usual, greath' to the chagrin of the thieves. And then again, 
the night of Friday chanced to be one of those in which mist and 
darkness combine to favor such clandestine operations. 

Their method of procedure was also quite as characteristic of the 
profession as the circumstances were seemingly favorable. The 
task of forcing apart with iron wedges the stout iron front and top 
of the safe, not to mention that of cutting the solid iron hinges of 



INCIDENTS. 279 

the inner door, must apparently have been attended with noise 
sufficient to awaken the occupants of the closely adjoining houses ; 
and the only ix)ssible reason why all this heavy work failed to 
arouse the entire neighborhood was that copper sledges were evi- 
dently' used, thus deadening to a mere thud the blows which oth- 
erwise would inevitabl}' have rung out a sharp alarm to the entire 
neighborhood. As it was, with all these well-planned precautions, 
Mr. Caouette, one of the nearest residents, twice left his bed dur- 
ing that night, thinking some one was committing depredations 
around his house. On one of these occasions he threw open a 
window directl}- facing the office, and looked carefully around, but 
seeing nothing to' excite any farther suspicions he again retired. 
Mr. William H. Moore, a son of the Agent, also employed in the 
otiice, passed b}' the building at about 12 o'clock, but neither 
heard nor saw anything to excite his suspicions. Mr. James 
Smith also passed the building not far from the same hour, and 
remembers hearing distinctly a succession of dull, heavy thumps, 
as of some one pounding, but suspecting nothing wrong he paid 
no farther attention to them. No light was seen in the building 
by any one at an}- time during the night. 

During the day previous, as alread3' intimated, suspicious char- 
acters were seen lurking about town, and in the evening they en- 
gaged a team and driver of Mr. T. H. Baker, hvery stable keeper, 
to go to Worcester, stating that they wanted to take the early 
morning train for Boston. They seemed to be in a great hurry to 
reach that place, and when asked why they did not wait till morn- 
ing, and take the first train direct, as they would get there sooner, 
the}' only gave vague answers. These same men stopped at the 
Bay State House in that city until morning, and were known to 
have been there as late as 8 o'clock, and it is surmised that 
they waited for the boat train to New York, which leaves at about 
10 o'clock. The Worcester Gazette says the names the}- wrote 
on the hotel register were of course fictitious, and one of them was 
the name of a young man emplo3'ed b}' the Axe Compan}', who was 
at that time in this place. One of the two was marked very con- 
spicuously by a broken nose, and is known to be a noted burglar. 
There were strong grounds for suspicion that these men were in 
some way implicated in the robber}', and steps were immediately 
taken to hunt them up and cause their arrest. 



280 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

The following is a list of certificates taken from the safe : — 

A certificate of ten shares of Axe stock, belonging to the 

heirs of Charles Hutchins, .... $1,000 

A certificate of five shares of stock, belonging to Edwin 

Moore, . 500 

Certificate, No. 72, of five shares of Central National 

Bank stock, Worcester, belonging to Anderson Hunt, 500 

A certificate. No. 336, of one share of Central National 

Bank stock, belonging to Anderson Hunt, . . 100 

LIST OF THE STOLEN BONDS AND THEIR NUMBERS. 



N08. 

78,191 

17,796 

8,611 

8,610 

8,699 

6,463 

4,108 

28,875 

31,993 

17,172 

110,027 

25,688 



Amt. 


Nos. 


,000 


28,812 


100 


58,486 


50 


38,086 


50 


91,265 


50 


116,412 


100 


91,264 


50 


214,552 


500 


96,771 


500 


45,013 


500 


28,347 


500 


6,439 


100 


24,837 



Amt. 

$50 

50 

500 

500 

50 

500 

100 

1,000 

1,000 

500 

500 

100 



The following is a list of the bonds, showing the numbers and 
amounts, belonging to the heirs of William Kendall : — 

6-81S. 



87,173 


. $1,000 


2,375 


$50 


87,172 


. 1,000 


51,659 


1,000 


17,740 


100 


10,006 


100 


9,392 


500 


21,768 


1,000 


9,306 


500 


12,445 


500 


80,189 


. 1,000 







INCIDENTS. 



281 



5_20s. — 1862. 

PRINCIPAL LOSERS. 



Heirs of Wm. Kendall, 

about . . $9,000 
Roj-al Keith, . . 1,250 
Rev. Wm. T. Briggs, . 1,700 



Edwin Moore, . . $1,500 
Heirs of Chas. Hutchins, 2,700 
Anderson Hunt, . 2,600 



Douglas Axe Co., 



500 



The entire losses reached the sum of $20,000." 



DAY AFTER THE ROBBERY. 



Owing probably more to excitement than any real grounds for 
suspicion, an itinerant vender of moth powder, who wasted con- 




RESIDBNCE OF CHARLES HUTCHINS IN 1870. 

siderable breath in accusing some of our towns-people who are 
above suspicion of complicity in the robber}", and made some 
other bold and improbable statements, was regarded by many as 
knowing more about the robbery than he wished to acknowledge. 
His braggart style made the place too warm for him, and he con- 
cluded to try his luck at exterminating moths in some other locality. 



282 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

About the 25th of Jul}- a New Yorker named Daniels was also 
arrested and brought to town, on suspicion of being implicated in 
the robbery, but no evidence was found corroborative of the sus- 
picion, and he was discharged. 

OTHER IXCIDENTS. 

In 1790 Capt. Benjamin Dudle}', Samuel Wallis, Paul Dudley, 
James Wallis and Ebenezer Curtis went to Boston on snow-shoes, 
drawing hand-sleds loaded with produce, which thej' exchanged 
for such commodities as the}' were unable to procure at home. At 
Roxbury they were beset by a party of about forty roughs, who, 
notwithstanding their numbers, were no match for the strength and 
prowess of our hearty backwoodsmen. The Douglas boys won a 
signal victory, and their fame spread far and near. 

One of the characteristics of the men of that day was a pas- 
sion for militar}' display, and in the days of trainings and musters 
some of the best military and cavalry companies in the State had 
their headquarters in Douglas. Captain Stockwell, in 1820, com- 
manded an organization known as the Douglas Light Infantr}^ 
which was presented with a stand of colors by Sarah Titus, a most 
beautiful and accomplished young lad}-. It was a gala occasion, 
which some of the older inhabitants still remember with pride. 
Oliver Emerson, the ensign of the company, received the colors, 
and most jealously guarded them while in his keeping. 

Capt. Peter Balcome was the commander of a company of 
cavalry. He is described as a man of imposing presence, and, as 
he appeared on horseback at the head of his troops, would shout, 
^'■Attention, all God's creation!" 

The large frames, physical strength and endurance characteris- 
tic of the early inhabitants of the town was the subject of wonder 
and admiration far and near. It is related that, when the meet- 
ing-house was being built, the workmen by mistake got one of the 
plates on wrong end to. It was a very heavy piece of timber, and 
for a long time resisted the eflfbrts of half a dozen strong men to 
place it in its correct position. Finally Capt. Ben Dudley, a man 
of herculean strength and enormous frame, said, " stand back, 



INCIDENTS. 



283 



boys, and I will turn it alone !" And sure enough, he did ; but 
the pressure was so great that both of his heels were forced out 
through his boots ! 

Of this singular prodigy of ph3-sical strength it is also related 
that he had a brother who was also noted for his strength, besides 
being a f-imous wrestler. His name was Paul Dudle}-, and he had 
established his right to the championship b}' throwing the best men 
that neighboring towns could pit against him. One da}' a muscular 




KESIDENCE OF JKSSE B. SHERMAN. 

fellow on horseback rode up to the door of the cottage, and in- 
quired for Mr. Dudley. He was directed to the mill, whither he 
had gone for a load of cider. Elding off in the direction indicated, 
he met Mr. Dudley, who was plodding along beside his ox team, 
and accosted him as follows : ' ' They tell me you are the best 
wrestler in the world. Have 3'OU any objection to testing that 
point with me?" "Not in the least," replied Mr. Dudle}' ; " but 
let 's have some cider first." While his would-be antagonist was 
dismounting, Mr. Dudley went to the back of the cart, drew one 
of the barrels towards him, and after extracting the plug delibe- 



284 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

ratel^y lifted the barrel by the chimes to his mouth, and drank from 
the bung-hole. The stranger looked on in blank amazement, and 
then, without a word, remounted his horse and galloped away. 

The forefathers of the town were troubled about idle, hungry, 
immoral paupers with rich relations, just as their descendants are 
to-day. Bitter animosities grow out of family broils ; religious 
wars are, of all others, most horrible and wretched ; but neither 
of these evils compare with a contest to settle the abiding-place 
and continuing cit}^ of a vermin-haunted pauper. 

As the law then stood, whenever a person who had no resi- 
dence was likely to become a public charge, the Selectmen issued 
a warrant warning him to leave the town, which, on being recorded 
in the town clerk's office, relieved the town of all responsibility. 
About this time some ugly, misanthropic spinster gave birth to 
the threadbare saying, " out of the world into Douglas," and as 
this was repeated from place to place the idea became general 
among the paupers of the county that the law did not appl}' to 
Douglas, and the}' flocked thither in such numbers that the money 
spent in testing the law would Ixive comfortal)ly fed and clothed 
them all. 

The Selectmen tried a " little game," and, as is usual in such 
cases, emptied the town treasur}^ of money, though they amply 
replaced it with experience. A pauper named Jonathan Stearns, 
whose lawful residence was unknown, was assisted by the Select- 
men, who charged the expense to half a' dozen different towns, 
hoping that in some way or other one of them might acknowledge 
him as its resident. Of course they all promptly disowned him. 
and suits were brought, in which the town of Douglas was invariably 
beaten, until, after having led to costs and correspondence enough 
to have kept him in food and reading all his days, poor Stearns 
was finally thrown upon the county. The whole transaction is like 
the case of greed}' heirs-at-law who spend a thousand dollars in 
litigation to find out which is entitled to a legac_y of five hundred. 

Minors who became paupers were frequently ' ' bound out " 
during their minority by the Selectmen. Inventories of their per- 
sonal eflSects were filed with the town clerk. It is not ever}' rich 
maiden of to-day that has "seven shirts" (alias shifts, alias 
smocks) to her back, as did Mary Aldrich, indentured to Abel 



INCIDENTS. 285 

Morse, whose inventory was as follows: " 1 green skirt, 1 chect 
apron, 2 woolen aprons, 12 handkerchiefs, 5 linen loose gounds, 1 
callicogound, 2 woolen loose gounds, 1 cloak, 5 pr. woolen stock- 
ings, 5 pr. linnin, 3 petticoats, 7 shirts (alias shifts, alias smocks), 
3 pr. shoes, 1 bonnet." 

Aunt Eunice B was one of those practical persons in whom 

the useful virtues outshone the ornamental. Ellis, her husband, 
was seduced by an itinerant pedlar into trading a good proportion 
of his available property for a watch — a genuine bull's eye, one 
of those comfortable specimens of antiquity we sometimes see to- 
day, too large to be carried round without fatigue, and too small 
for a town clock. Watches were rare in those days. Oppressed 
with anxiety lest the precious article should be lost or stolen, he 
asked his wife to tind him a safe place to hang it. Without a 
word she rose, and after lighting a candle, and requesting him to 
bring a hammer and nail, she led the way down cellar, stopping in 
front of the empty pork barrel. "Drive the nail about three inches 
from the bottom of that barrel, and hang the watch on it," said 
she ; " there is room enough, and no one will ever think of looking 
for anything there ! " It is needless to say that the watch was 
soon exchanged for nioi'e productive property. 

Fuller M was famous for practical joking, and never lost 

an opportunity to indulge this propensity. Returning from Boston 

in company with one Peter B one daj', in the good old times 

when everj'body rode horseback, a A-enerable Quaker turned in 
from a cross road, and jogged along the "Hartford pike" just 
ahead of them. He was mounted on a plump and rather vicious- 
looking sorrel mare, with small ears and a bob-tail, bounded on 
either side by capacious saddle-bags, while his grey coat, long 
neck, thin hair and broad-brim rose above the saddle, with the 
combined humility and dignity of a veritable Moses. Fuller saw 
his chance in a moment. Telling Peter to hold up, he galloped 
forward and overtook the Quaker, and in mj'sterious tones warned 
him as a friend to beware of the evil person in their rear, telling 
him that Peter, if not exactly craz^', was certainly ' ' possessed of 
a devil," that he was always aroused by the sight of a stranger, 
and had been known in such a case to attack the hapless person 
and rend him limb from limb. 



286 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

These things so wrought upon the excited Quaker, the effect 
being heightened by the solemn waj' in which Fuller had made the 
startling revelations, that he would have plied whip and spur and 
fled for his life at once if Fuller had not gravely warned him that 
this course would be sure to draw on him the immediate vengeance 
of the hair-bi-ained maniac. He left the Quaker with a final ad- 
monition to flee if pursued, and returned to Peter. " Peter," said 
he, "I'll bet 3'ou a 'Douglas bet' (a gallon of nmi) that you 
can't catch that old feller ahead there !" 'Twas done ! Peter 
started, and so did the Quaker. Kicking both feet clear of the 
stirrups, and wrapping his long legs together under the animal's 
body, the Quaker lashed his nag till the little mare flew like Tarn 
O'Shanter's when the witches gave chase. One after another the 
bulky saddle-bags parted and burst asunder on the road ; the flap 
of the broad-brim flared aloft in the wind ; the Quaker's long hair 
streamed in elfin terror ; and , looking neither to right nor left, he 
went ahead like Jehu. The sight was too much even for Peter. He 
began to laugh. His horse began to run. Finally, an unlucky 
stumble landed him end over end in the bushes. " Did yer catch 
him?" meekly inquired Fuller, as he came up. "Catch him!" 
muttered Peter, " catch lightnin ! Yew just set here, an' ef he 
don't git over his scare he'll go round the world and go by us 
again in half an hour ! " On reaching home Fuller had his laugh, 
and something more, that lasted through haying. 

Another incident connected with the Revolutionary era was 
pertaining to and illustrative of a military gentleman of those 
historical days — he who at the age of twenty left the arms of his 
bride in sunny France, fitted out two vessels with arms and pro- 
visions, sailed for Boston, was received b}' Washington and his 
army with acclamations, joined the ranks as a volunteer, was 
wounded in his first action near Philadelphia, and commanded the 
vanguard of the patriot arm}' at the capture of New York — Mar- 
quis DE Lafayette. 

The illustrious Frenchman was traveling from Boston to New 
York, over the old Boston and Hartford turnpike. He had break- 
fasted either at Mendon orUxbridge, and on reaching Douglas his 
horses, which had become spiritless by the long journey from Bos- 
ton, exhibited much fatigue. Lafa3'ette directed his driver to stop 
at Douglas and obtain a change of horses. Independence Whip- 



INCIDENTS. 287 

pie's father then kept the hotel in Douglas. He was asked by the 
Marquis if he could let him have two fresh hoi'ses in exchange for 
his tired Bayards. 

" I have but one suitable for j^our Excellenc}'," said Jonathan 
Whipple ; " but our minister (we think it was Rev. Mr. Day) has 
a good horse. I will borrow that." And the minister's and land- 
lord's horses were hitched together, and bore the gallant Marquis 
to the " land of steady habits." He guaranteed that the horses 
should be returned within a certain number of days, and a gener- 
ous sum was to be paid for their use. 

The limited time expired, and week after week went b}-, but 
the horses of Messrs. Whipple and Day were not returned. The 
clergyman was sorely vexed. His favorite nag was considered 
indispensable to the faithful performance of his pastoral duties. 
The sick were to be visited, the impatient were to be married, 
and the dead were to be buried. 'T is true other horses were to 
be had, but they were not orthodox! How could a " Presbyterian, 
true blue," ride a heterodoxical horse? Parson Day might 

" Prove his doctrine orthodox 
By apostolic bows and knocks," 

but he could not do justice to himself and his parishioners without 
that horse. He worried Jonathan Whipple, and Jonathan Whip- 
ple worried himself concerning the horses and the French Marquis. 
Finally Mr. AA'hipple heard that Lafayette was again in Boston. 
Taking the great mail coach he rode to the tri-mountain cit^', and 
anxiously sought an interview with Lafayette. He found him. 

" Please, what does Monsieur want ?" inquired the polite French- 
man. 

" I want my horse," said Mr. Whipple. ' 

" Excuse, Monsieur, but I don't know either you or your horse." 
"Well, does your Excellency remember borrowing two horses 
in Douglas ?" 

"Exactly, Monsieur; but the horses were returned." 
" No, no !" exclaimed Jonathan Whipple, a little excited ; " the 
horses have never come back." 

"Xe diable !" exclaimed Lafayette, and he at once called his sec- 
retary. 

It turned out that this functionary had failed to order the return 
of the horses, as dh-ected by Lafayette. The matter was explained 



288 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

to Mr. Whipple, with many apologies, and he was giA-en a generous 
sum in gold to cover his expenses to and from Boston, and to pay 
for the use of the horses. The animals were soon after returned 
to Douglas, to the great delight of their owners. 

DUEL. 

In the year 1820 a number of persons arrived at Dudley's 
tavern, coming by way of Worcester, and meeting an equal num- 
ber who came by way of the old Boston and Hartford turnpike. 
The}' spent the entire night in playing cards. Very early in the 
morning the teams were ordered, and the part}' proceeded in com- 
pany to Rhode Island, first inquiring of the landlord the direction 
they were to take, and ascertaining from him how far they should 
drive before reaching the boundary line between the two States. 
They stopped in a valley surrounded by dense woods in the town 
of Burrillville, about half a mile west of what is now known as 
" Cripple Corner," and two miles from the Massachusetts line. A 
small brook crossed the road near this place. One of the principals 
was named Babbitt, a Lieutenant in the navy, belonging in Brook- 
field, but the other was unknown to our informant. Both of them 
were attended b}' surgeons, and Dr. Batcheller of Douglas, was 
called upon to attend and offer such services as might be needed 
of him. 

The particulars of the duel are not known, but pistols were 
used, and the Lieutenant's opponent was liadly wounded. A 
boai'd covered with blood was found near the brook. When the 
carriages returned to Dudley's tavern one of them bore unmis- 
takable evidence of a bloody encounter. Both parties left on the 
following day, leaving the honest people of the place in a state of 
amazement and wonder. 

Among the first men who represented the town in the General 
Court was Lovell Pulsipher, a genuine backwoodsman, rough in 
manners and dress, but possessing many elements of statesman- 
ship, including an ambition for political distinction. At that time 
the town was considerably in debt, and no way could be seen to 
clear it off except by an abatement of the Province tax. This 
Mr. Pulsipher pledged himself to accomplish, and, accoutered in 
an old leather apron that had seen much service at the work-bench 



INCIDENTS. 289 

and forge, he made the joiirnej^ to Boston. He experienced some 
difficulty in gaining admission at the court-house, owing to his 
shabby appearance, and to the fact that he neglected to provide 
himself with proper credentials, but he succeeded finall3' in gain- 
ing his seat, and entered at once upon his mission. He plead for 
the town well, and succeeded in getting the Province tax abated. 

But, notwithstanding the sympathy of his fellow members was 
enlisted in behalf of his cause, they could not resist the opportu- 
nit}' for a little fun at his expense. In the course of the investi- 
gation Pulsipher was asked if there were accommodations in his 
town for a committee who might tind it necessary to go there and 
inquire more carefully into the matter. 

" W-a-1," he replied, in a peculiar drawling tone, " there 's a 
leetle rye straw down there ye can sleep on !" 

' ' Are there no smarter men in Douglas than you ?" asked a 
bantering member. 

" Yes," was the repl}', " there 's plenty o' men to home smarter 'n 
I be, but they hain't got no close fit tu wear tu the Gineral Court!" 

These arguments were sufficient to convince the body that the 
town was reall}' unable to pay the tax imposed. 

Keziah R and Sybil W , while %isiting an acquaintance 

in the village, became enthusiastic in praising the fertilit}^ of their 
lands. Keziah boasted that two kinds of mint grew on her farm — 
spearmint and peppermint. 

" Pooh !" said Sjbil, " there 's three kinds of mint growin' on 
our'n — spearmint, peppermint, and — yarrer!" 



19 



CHAPTER XX. 



THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH OF JULY IN EAST DOUGLAS. 




NDIVIDUAL birth- 
deijs, as they come 
and go, will doubt- 
less never lose their 
interest among any 
thoughtful people, 
and the more there 
is of thoughtful- 
ness characteriz- 
ing men the more 
precious become these annual returns of the natal daj^, for the3'' are 
recognized as marking the beginnings of lives invested with the 
most wonderful of human possibilities. And since, as a matter of 
fact, these lives are found, in the vast majority of instances, to have 
been attended with the most thrilling actualities, it is safe to accept 
the all-prevailing and touching custom of their formal observance 
as one entirely coinciding with the best of the instinctive convictions 
of our race. An anonymous writer in the London Magazine in the 
following lines thus beautifully apostrophizes this event of mortal 
birth : — 

" A life has just begun! 
Another soul lias won 
The glorious spark of being. 
Pilgrim of life, all hail! 

He who at first called forth 

From nothingness the earth, — 

Who piled the mighty hills and dug the sea, — 

Who gave the stars to gem 

Night like a diadem, 

Oh, blessed child, made thee, fair creature of the earth, 

Heir of immortal life! 

Hail! all hail! " 



THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH OP JULY. 291 

If what we have said be true in reference to an individual among 
the millions of beings composing the human race, of whom only 
an almost insignificant fraction are known outside their family 
circle, how grand in comparison becomes the birthday of a nation ! 
So thought our fathers from the first, and naturally' " Independence 
Day " has been the S3'nonym for the wildest and most jubilant 
ovations in its honor throughout the land, the popular inclination on 
its annual return being well nigh emancipated from all the usual 
restraints put upon the demonstrative and boisterous natures of 
old and young. 

But the one-hundredth anniversary of this event is at hand — 
what shall be done properl}' to observe the nation's first centennial, 
was the querj' among the many in Douglas who felt that they could 
never have the opportunity to repeat the devoutly patriotic cele- 
bration they were planning for this. The question seemed to thrill 
simultaneously- all hearts, and became more emphatic as the mind 
tried to take in the events transpiring during the hundred ^ears of 
testing that had intervened. Our nation's twice-repeated victor}', 
made possible b}' the unnatural attitude of the mother country, 
stands out sharply in the memor}' of the aged ones ; the matchless 
career of prosperity in the history' of nations vouchsafed to us by a 
kind Providence equally challenges the admiration of all — even of 
the most far-seeing among foreigners ; and the mournful recollection 
of our people's fratricidal struggle, so recentl}^ ended in triumph, in 
which so many millions of their hard-earned treasure were lost, with 
many hundreds of thousands of lives as the darkest feature in the 
melancholy review, — these and kindred thoughts conspired only tO' 
intensify the conviction that some specially appropriate service 
should mark the Centennial Fourth. 

And so, by common consent, the good people of Douglas re- 
solved that July 4, 187G, should be really a red-letter day in the 
history of the town. Indeed, had it been otherwise we should feel 
that a good portion of the record we have made in these pages 
touching the loyalty of our fathers must needs be expunged. So 
general and spontaneous was the interest cherished on this subject 
by the citizens of all classes that the advent of the day was fore- 
stalled by a general illumination of the public and private build- 
ings, and also by a torchlight procession and baud concert on the 
preceding evening. But for the seeming invidiousness, we should 



292 ' HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

yield to our inclination to specif}' .some of the residences and 
grounds which were more profusely arranged for this occasion, 
the degree to which it was carried being generally in keeping with 
the abilit}- of the individual proprietors. 

The torchlight procession was a marked feature of the occasion, 
one hundred brilliant torches casting their lurid glare on the build- 
ings and shrubbery along the streets through which the procession 
moved, while a number of transparencies conspired to heighten 
verj- materially the pleasing effect of the novel pageant. The 
mirth-provoking items in this latter feature of the evening's enter- 
tainment were entirely original in their conception. They were 
admirabl}- carried out as well as planned, being the result of the 
combined efforts of several local artists. The Calithumpians took 
up the programme where the torchlights left it, making the balance 
of the night as redolent of the more demonstrative kind of patriot- 
ism as the procession had rendered it enjoyable to all. 

The morning's dawn was signalized by the usual sunrise salvo 
of artillery, mingled with the ringing of the church bells through the 
town. This over, and the matutinal meal scarcely finished, the 
festivities were resumed by the introduction of an item not down 
on the bills of an old-time Fourth, which was, in the opinion of our 
sires and grandsires, entirely too serious an occasion, and asso- 
ciated with altogether too momentous questions of public polity 
to admit of much that was either jocose or farcical. But the lovers 
of fun must have a part in rendering the occasion memorable, so 
the " Horribles and Antiques" join the trades' turn-out, which 
commenced forming at the earl}- hour of 8 o'clock, under the com- 
mand of Wm. H. Moore, as Chief Marshal, who was aided by As- 
sistant Marshals Wm. A. Emerson and Chas. J. Batcheller. 

The line was formed at the junction of Main and Cemetery 
Streets, in order as follows : — 

Chief Marshal and Aids. 

Douglas Brass Band — E. F. Darce}-, leader ; W. E. Cooke, Drum 

Major. 

Jean Baptiste Society — Joseph Lem'a}', President. 

Horribles, Antiques, etc. — Austin Packard, Captain. 

Trades' Procession. 

Citizens in Carriages. 




RESIDENCE OF L. S. WHIPPLE, EAST DOUGLAS. 




EESIDENCE OF EDWIN MOORE, EAST DOUGLAS. 



294 . HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

The procession made a most imposing appearance, and was 
greeted bj the heartiest demonstrations during its passage through 
the streets. The wliole affair was pronounced the best of anything 
of the kind, and altogether the most satisfactor}- CA'er witnessed in 
tlie histor}' of the town. Nearly all the traders were most credita- 
bly' represented in the procession. Mechanics' Block, with its 
varied departments of industry, made an excellent and appropriate 
show on one large wagon. Williams & Hanson displa3'ed their 
clothing establishment to the best advantage. 

The printing office of Charles J. Batcheller, seemingly forgetful 
of its newly-acquired itinerating character, was throwing off sheets 
along the route as nicely as if at home. The tinsmithery of W. S. 
Martin, tired or ashamed of forever waiting at its ordinary place of 
business for its patrons, was going about town to show how it was 
done. Harness-making was in full tide of successful operation by 
Hugh Greene. W. A. Willis started and well nigh " topped out" 
a brick chimney while keeping up with the rest of his fellow trades- 
men in the pleasing panorama. Dealers in fish and meats did 
everything but "catching" and "killing;" and so we might go 
through the list of representative artisans who took this " lively" 
way of showing how they appreciated the day, and were willing to 
do their part towards making the celebration a grand success. 

The Antiques and Horribles we must be excused from at- 
tempting to portray, since the main effort of the participants evi- 
dently was to bid defiance to the pen or pencil of any one but a 
Hogarth to give them so much even as a fifth-rate setting out. 

They must needs have been seen to be either appreciated or 

identified. One of the best things in the display, however, was 
the comical affair so ingeniously devised by Henr}- Hutchins, in 
the shape of an engine, under the management of the Douglas Fire 
Department, which afforded an immense amount of amusement to 
the throng gathered on the Common. 

A committee on prizes (Messrs. AVm. Abbott, A. F. Jones and 
Fenner Batcheller) went through the process of inspecting the gro- 
tesque crowd which so well represented Falstaff's regiment, and 
as the result of their discriminating labors awarded three prizes, of 
five, three and two dollars respectively', Larr}^ Desmod}^ taking the 
first, " Douglas Fire Department" the second, and Miller Hindon 
the third, when the procession was formally dismissed. 



THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH OF JULY. 295 

At 11 o'clock the public exercises were held in the Congre- 
gational church, in the following order : — 

Music by the large choir. 

Praj'er by Rev. William D. Bridge. 

Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Rev. William T. 

Briggs. 

Music b}" the Band. 

Historical Address by A. F. Brown. 

Music by the choir. 

Oration b}-^ William H. Briggs. 

Music b}" the choir. 

Mr. Edwin Moore, President of the Day, officiated with the 
ease and dignity so characteristic of him, and Rev. Mr. Briggs 
read the Declaration in his usual clear and impressive tone. Of 
the historical address by Mr. Brown it may be said it was an ad- 
mirable production, evincing great painstaking by its author in 
gathering up the interesting and valuable facts it embodied, for 
which he received the thanks of many as rendering the citizens 
the most important service yet accomplished towards compihng a 
history of the town. The oration followed, which was a very fine 
production indeed — terse, discriminating, and sparkling with 
brilliant thoughts, and eliciting warmest praise from his deeply- 
interested auditors. It was loudly applauded at its close. It is 
not often that a voung man, in one year, and that the year of his 
majority, is admitted to the bar and chosen as the orator of the 
da}' on such an occasion by his townsmen, yet just this coinci- 
dence occurred in the case of Mr. Briggs, and marks an event in 
his history of which he may well cherish the pleasantest memory. 

At 1 o'clock a clam dinner was served in the orchard at the 
rear of Hayden's boot and shore store, the Band furnishing music 
while the hungry' crowd were devouring the toothsome bivalves. 
President Moore called the assembly to order at the close of the 
dinner, and announced Mr. W. D. Jones as the toast-master for 
the occasion. As the several sentiments were read the following 
gentlemen responded, much to the delight of their listeners : Dea. 
A. Butler, Mr. A. F. Brown, Rev. W. W. Dow, Rev. W. D. 
Bridge, Dr. White, Rev. W. T. Briggs, Mr. W. H. Briggs and 
the President of the Day. 



296 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

In obedience to the terms of President Grant's proclamation, a 
nnion prayer service was held, after the exercises at the dinner- 
table, in the Methodist vestry, continuing for an hour. This 
meeting was one of much interest, and drew together those who 
felt that under God only had we as a people attained the eminence 
we occupy among the nations on this our hundredth birthday. 

The balance of the da}^ was given up to a variety of sports and 
plans for the diversion of the young and old. At 5 o'clock a tub- 
race was witnessed from the shores of Hunt's Pond, the banks 
surrounding which were lined with a large crowd of spectators, 
who greatly enjoj'ed the scene ; and at half-past 6 o'clock there 
were wheel-barrow, sack, potato and running races on the Com- 
mon, which created a deal of merriment for another large crowd ; 
and in the evening there was a fine exhibition of fireworks, thus 
closing up a daj^ replete with interest to the hundreds who were 
drawn together as witnesses and participants in the rare proceed- 
ings. It was repeatedly remarked that the very best order pre- 
vailed throughout the day, and no disturbance of any kind has yet 
been chronicled as marring the occasion from beginning to end. 



CHAPTER XXI 




EDUCATIONAL 



ADDENDA. 



ROM various records and other authentic sources the 
material for this chapter has been collated, thus com- 
pleting the educational history of the town — a portion 
of which was given in a pi-evious chapter, but bringing 
it down only to about the year 1800. 

COMMON SCHOOLS. 

From the town records we learn that at a meeting 
held on the first Monday in April, 1797, it was " voted 
to accept of the report of a committee, as far as respects the school 
Districting, which is as follows, viz. : That there be a district on 
Walluni Pond Hill, including Aaron Jepherson, the Widow Kelley, 
and all the inhabitants that live west of them, to be called Wal- 
lum Pond Hill District. 

' 'And that the Friends' District shall be annihilated, and that they 
shall be included in the district where they live, and that Thaddeus 
Thayer District be annihilated, and that Thaddeus Thayer be an- 
nexed to Benjamin Walker's District, and that there shall be a Dis- 
trict to be called the South District, to include all the inhabitants 
that are in Douglas that are east of Wallum Pond Hill District, and 
that are south and west of the following persons and including 
them, that is, Simeon Harrendon, Daniel Aldrich, Noah Aldrich, 
Jun'r., Jacob Aldrich, Israel Thayer and Richard Bolster." 

On the first day of May of the same year it was voted to 
divide the school mone}^ among the squadrons according to the 
number of scholars, and the age of the scholars to be from four j^ears 



298 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

old to twenty-one, and that the return of the scholars shall be 
made to the Selectmen and assessors by the committee of the 
squadrons on the first Monday of November annually. 

"Mar. 7, 1808, the sura of forty dollars was appropriated by 
the town to the South School District, for the purpose of enabling 
them to rebuild their school-house, which had previously been de- 
stroyed by fire. 

"March 10, 1821. — The town appropriated Two Hundred and 
Seventy-three dollars for the purpose of defraying the expenses of 
building a School House in the Wallis District (so-called) ." 

" Nov. 4 1822. — Paul Dudley, Aaron Wallis, Benjamin Craggin, 
George Emerson, Wilhs Walker, Ebenezer Balcome, Prince Par- 
ker, and Comfort Martin, Jr., were appointed a committee to 
define the limits of each school district, which dut}^ they performed 
to the acceptance of the town." 

"Aprils, 1830. — The Town voted that each School District 
choose its own Prudential Committee, and in April of the follow- 
ing year voted that each District have the privilege of choosing 
them in such manner as they may decide." 

The method of conducting the common schools of the town, 
adopted at the beginning, and known as the " School District 
System," has been adhered to until the present time, with the 
exception of the 3^ear 1869, at which time the State Legislature 
passed the following act : — 

"Chapter 110. — an act to abolish the school district system. 

" Be it enacted, etc. , as folloivs : — 

' ' Section 1 . The School District System in this Commonwealth 
is hereby abolished. 

" Sec. 2. Each District in which the district system now 
exists shall forthwith take possession of all the school-houses, land, 
apparatus and other property owned and used by the several 
school districts therein, which said districts might lawfullj"^ convey, 
and shall appraise the same, levy a tax therefor, and remit said 
tax in the manner provided by section third, chapter thirty-nine 




RESIDENCE OF JOHN M. KAWSON. 



BESIDENCE OF A. M. HILL, DOUGLAS CENTER. 



300 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

of the General Statutes ; provided^ that the appraisal of the school 
property in an}' district, or the amount to be remitted, shall not 
exceed the sum that has been actually raised by taxation in such 
distinct for such property' ; and provided further, that any money 
or property- held in trust by virtue of ixny gift, devise, or bequest 
for the benefit of any school district now existing, shall hereafter 
continue to be held and used in the same manner and for the same 
purpose according to the terras thereof. 

" Sec 3. The corporate powers and liabilities of any school 
district abolished by this act shall continue and remain for the 
purposes expressed in section six, chapter thirty-nine of the 
General Statutes 

" Sec. 4. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act 
are hereb}- repealed. 

" Sec. 5. This act shall take effect upon its passage." (Ap- 
proved March 24, 1869.) 

The following year another act was passed, allowing any town 
in which the school district system was abolished to re-establish 
such districts by a two-thirds vote of the legal voters. By virtue 
of this last act between fifty and sixty towns, including Douglas, 
voted to " re-establish 'the school districts therein." 

During that year, for the purpose of convenience, the several 
schools were known and designated by the corresponding number 
of the old school district. In March, 18G7, by vote of the town, 
the school committee were directed to provide suitable school 
accommodation for the school children of East Douglas. In ac- 
cordance with these instructions, the school-houses in Districts 
3 and 9 were repaired so as to make a suitable recitation room, 
in each for the use of an assistant teacher. 

In 1875 the school-house in District No. 9 was thoroughly re- 
paired and reseated, and in 1878 a considerable addition was 
made to that in District No. 10, besides other necessary repairs, 
including reseating. The following extracts from the last annual 
report of" the school committee will be invested with some degree 
of interest from the fact that it shows more fully the condition of 
the public schools at the present date : — 



EDUCATIONAL ADDENDA. 301 

REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN'oF DOUGLAS FOR 
THE YEAR ENDING APRIL 1, 1878. 

STATISTICS. 

The whole number of children in town May 1, 1877, be- 
tween 5 and 15 years of age, .... 447 

Whole number attending school during the year of all 

ages, . ._ 477 

Average daily attendance in all the schools, . . 305+ 

Whole number attending school under 5 3'ears of age, 6 

Whole number attending school over 15 years of age, 41 

Aggregate of months all the schools have been kept 

during the year, . . . . . . , 109|f 

Average number of months the schools have been kept 

during the entire year, ..... SA- 

Number of male teachers in district schools, . . 2 

Average wages paid male teachers in district schools, 

per month, .;..... $32 00 

Number of female teachers in district schools, . 15 

Average wages paid female teachers in district 

schools, per month, . . . . . . $31 124- 

Town appropriation for district schools, 
March, 1877, 

Unexpended balance last year. 

Dog fund, .... 

State school fund. 

Town school fund, interest, 

Total, $3,782 66 

EXPENSE OF DISTRICT SCHOOLS. 

Wages paid teachers, .... $3,163 00 
Fuel and care of school-rooms, . . 286 25 



$2,500 


00 


792 


98 


231 


68 


201 


52 


56 


48 



Total, $3,449 25 



Balance unexpended April 1, 1878, . $33341 

The schools in Districts Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 were under the 
supervision of A. M. Hill ; Nos. 6, 8 and 9 under the supervision 



302 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 



of Levi White, M. D. ; Nos. 3, 7 and 10 under the supervision of 
A. F. Brown ; the High School under the general supervision of 
all the Superintending Committee. 

The School Committee were : — 



Oliver W. Adams, 


. Term 


expires 


March, 


1879 


A. M. Hill, 


ii 






1879 


A. F. Brown, 


ic 






1879 


J. E. CUMMINGS, . 


(( 






188a 


Edw^in Esten, 


u 






1880 


Levi White, M. D., 


(( 






1880 


A. E. Kemp, M. D., . 


u 






1881 


W. D. Jones, 


(1 






1881 


N. W. Preston, 


(I 


o rv i_ 


_!_?__ 


1881 



The Committee organized for the year 1878-9 by choice of 

A. F. BROWN, Chairman. W. D. JONES, Secretary. 

A. F. BROWN, 
W. D. JONES, 



Superintending Committee. 



high school. 

Previous to 1846 there was no established school in town where 
the higher branches of learning were taught. The necessit}^ for 
such a school at last became so apparent that steps were taken tO' 
make the necessary provisions. An association of several promi- 
nent citizens was formed, and suitable school accommodations pro- 
vided at East Douglas. 

The association was known as the Citizens' Hall Association, 
and the following is a copy of the original subscription list, which 
states the purposes of the society and the men who were then prom- 
inent in educational affairs : — 

East Douglas, June 30, 1846. 
''We, the undersigned, feeling the importance of affording to 
our youth in this community' greater facilities for the attainment of 
a higher literar}' education than can be expected from the public 
or town school, and, on account of the proposed erection of a 
school-house in District No. 9 in this town, believing the present 
a favorable time to make an effort to secure the above-named 
object, do hereby agree to pay for the purpose of adding another 



EDUCATIONAL ADDENDA. 



303: 



story to the school-house about to be erected in District No. 9, in 
Douglas, in the count}' of Worcester in Massachusetts, and for 
other necessary expenditures connected with the same, the sums 
hereunto affixed to our names, provided the sum of six hundred 
dollars be subscribed for the aforementioned object or purpose, and 
provided the same six hundred dollars or stock be divided into 
shares of twelve dollars and fifty cents each ; and provided also, 
when said sum shall have been subscribed, the subscribers are no- 
tified to meet for the choice of Directors, who shall he authorized 
to expend said fund for said purpose : — 



"Warren Hunt, 
Moses Knapp, 
Otis W. Hunt, . 
Moses Hill, . . 
Oliver Hunt, . 
Edward F. Stone, 
Samuel W. Heath, 
Fenner Batcheller, 
Anderson Hunt, . 
Leander B. Hunt, 
Lyman Parsons, . 
Albert Butler, . . 
Artemus Knowlton, 
Charles Hutchins, 
Justin B. Whipple, 



fAMI 


:s. 


. . $50 00 




50 00 




. 100 00 




12 50 




37 50 




12 50 




. 25 00 




25 00 




25 00 




25 00 




12 50 




. 12 50 




12 50 




12 50 




. 12 50 



subscribers' names. 



Adna Taft, .... 


$12 50 


Jonathan Sprague, . 


. 12 50 


Dexter Whipple, 


. 12 50 


Horace Emerson, . 


25 00 


Sumner Balcome, . 


12 50 


Luther Stone, 


12 50 


Joel Utle}', . . . 


12 50 


Mowrey Prentice, . 


. 12 50 


Chaunce}' D. Rice, . 


12 50 


Seth Hunt, . . 


12 50 


Edward F. Stone, . 


25 00 


Simeon and James Smit 


h, 12 50 



$600 00 



At a proprietors' meeting, Oct. 20, 1846, the Trustees of the so- 
ciety. Rev. Chauncey D. Rice, Dea. Warren Hunt, and Moses 
Knapp, Esq., together with Col. Horace Emerson, were chosen a 
Building Committee, and began the work of building soon after 
that date. 

At a meeting of the proprietors of Citizens' Hall at the hotel of 
Horace Cummings, April 1, 1847, the Trustees were empowered to 
procure a teacher and establish a school in the Hall whenever the 
same should be ready for use. 

For several years after the completion of the school-house a High 
School was thus provided for, and supported by the payment of tu- 



304 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

itiou b}^ those who had children to send, and the Hall was let 
for other purposes as occasion offered. The school not being 
largely attended the expense was necessarily borne by a few. With 
a view of making the burden lighter for those who had children to 
send, Dr. Ezekial Wood, not having children of his own, provided 
schooling for two or three children, and at his death, the year fol- 
lowing, left a permanent fund for the benefit of the High School, 
the following being an exact copj^ of the note and will : — 

NOTE. 

$500.00 Douglas, Nov. 13th, 1849. 

" For value received, I promise and agree shall be paid out of 
my estate, to the Trustees of the High School in Douglas, or their 
successors in office, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, in the fol- 
lowing manner, by my Executors or Administrators after my de- 
cease, as follows, to wit : — One Hundred Dollars in one year after 
the appointment of said Executors or Administrators and One 
Hundred Dollars per annum for the four successive 3'ears next 
thereafter, to be applied by said Trustees to the advancement of 
education in said High School; and in case said School shall not be 
kept the term of one whole j^ear together during the five years in 
which said payments ai'e to be made, as aforesaid, then, in that 
case, this note, promise and agreement is to become null and void, 
and said pa3'ments become forfeited and go into m}^ estate, to be 
administered b}" m}^ said Executors or Administrators according 
to law and my will." 

(Signed) EZEKIEL WOOD. 
Attest : 

WARREN HUMES. 

WILL. 

(Only that part is quoted which relates to this bequest.) 

Douglas, Nov. 30th, 1849. 
' ' I have given a certain note to the Trustees of East Douglas 
High School, in said Douglas, provided the Stockholders and 
Trustees are entitled thereto by complying with the terms and 
conditions of said note, and not otherwise." 

(Signed) EZEKIEL WOOD. 




I— I 
t) 

C 

o 
I— ( 






;> 

CO 

H 

t) 
O 
c1 
O 
t* 
>■ 

CO 



ao 



306 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

About the year 1874 the proprietors, in connection with the- 
Committee of District No. 9, made extensive repairs on their 
school building, and a portion of the Dr. Wood fund was used to- 
help defray the expenses thus incurred. This led to a suit at law, 
in which the course of the trustees was sustained. 

In 18G7 a fixed standard was decided upon for pupils entering 
the High School, and during the three years previous to IcSGT this 
school furnished twelve teachers for Douglas and neighboring 
towns. Since that time the standard has been gradually raised, 
and in 1878 the School Committee made several important advances, 
which are referred to in the following extract from their annual 
report for 1877, and the plan is now being carried out : — 

" Your committee intend, at the commencement of the next 
school year, to prescribe a course of stud}" for a three years' 
course, requiring all scholars, as far as practicable, to pursue the 
full course, with the understanding that those who do so success- 
fully shall be entitled to and receive a diploma at the close of the 
third year. By this means we hope to reduce the number of 
classes without detriment to the scholars, and to give to each 
scholar who shall pursue the full course a fair practical educa- 
tion. We also recommend to the town the establishment of a 
Grammar School — a department between the Intermediate and 
the High School." 

It is hoped that this plan may be successfull}' carried out, and 
the attempt is now being gradually' made. With the heart}' co- 
operation of the townspeople much can be accomplished, and our 
schools advanced to that grade where the}" will be on a par with 
the majority of similar institutions in the State. 

For two years past the school has been in charge of Ralph H. 
Bowles, Jr., A. M., under whose thorough instruction the progress 
has been commendable, and has more than answered the expecta- 
tions of parents and friends. 

In conclusion we desire to make mention of other teachers whO' 
in years past rendered efficient service in this school, and became 
endeared by ties of friendship to many who were associated with 
them as pupils. 

From 1853 to 1861 the school was taught by W. H. Kingsbury, 
Edward F. Williams, ]\Iiss Cook and Miss Susan Wingate ; from 
1861 to 1864 Charles W. Moore (assisted by his wife during his- 



EDUCATIONAL ADDENDA. 307 

absence in the army) ; from 1864 to 1868 by Thomas H. Tucker. 
R. M. Streeter, his successor, remained until the fall of 1869, 
when he went to Toledo, Ohio, to accept an important position 
there. Since that time the following teachers have been em- 
ployed : M. R. Chace, Isaiah F. Pray, George F. Stone, Philip 
Berry, G. Irving Hopkins, L. N. Cummings, and M. R. Hurd. 



CHAPTER XXII. 




THE MOSES WALLIS DEVISE. 

Y a singularly-drawn will, Moses Wallis, a native 
of Douglas, bequeathed a certain portion of bis es- 
tate to the town, for the purpose specified minutely 
in his will, and for ''none other whatsoever." If 
this document is singular in its tenor, as every one 
must concede, some might deem it nearly as singu- 
lar that the town should ever have assumed the ob- 
ligations imposed b}' accepting the trust. As will 
be seen, the fund in the custody' of the town must remain on in- 
terest till Nov. 10, 1901, when the accumulated principal and 
interest forms a new principal, which " shall forever thereafter be 
kept on interest, the annual interest " of this new principal, when it 
reaches $12,000, and not till then, to be applied to the building 
of a town hall, etc. 

The present status of this devise, after thirt3'-seven years' in- 
vestment, will appear b}' the last report of the town agent, which 
is as follows : — 

Report of the Agent on the Moses Wallis Devise^ to Feb. 1, 1878 : — 

1877. 

Feb. 1. Value of notes drawing interest, . . $10,078 97 

Cash in hands of agent, . . . 596 11 

67.5 00 



u 



1, 



1. Accrued interest, about 



$11,350 08 

The Agent has received on Devise, for 1877, as follows : — 
April 1. Principal on Warren B. Thaj'er's 

note, $200 00 

June 8. rdncipal on Willard Dodge's note, 250 00 



THE MOSES WALLACE DEVISE. 309 

Sept. 10. Principalon Samuel Balcome's note, 100 00 
Oct. 25. " Abel Parker's note, 200 00 
Interest on notes for 1877, . . . 593 28 
Cash from 1876, 596 11— $1,939 39 

The Agent has loaned and paid on Devise as follows : — 

1877. 

Loaned Amos A. Humes, 

" John G. Buffum, 

*■' J. Elwin Cummings, 

'' Phoebe Young, 
Paid appraisers, 
Trip to Worcester to exami: 
Discharging two deeds, 
Recording one deed. 
Expense to Worcester, 
Recording one deed. 
Paid appraisers. 
Discharging one mortgage, 
Paid appraisers, 

Paid James Daniel for cleaning 
Moses Wallis' monument, . . 7 00 

Paid town, count}", and State tax, 142 50 

" Appraisers . . . 4 50 

Services for taking care of Devise, 

for 1877, . - . .60 00—11,762 85 



April 


12. 


March 22. 


Sept. 


22. 


Nov. 


9. 


April 


5. 


I ( 


5. 


a 


5. 


li 


5. 


i I 


12. 


I i 


12. 


I i 


12. 


i i 


28. 


Sept. 


20. 


C( 


22. 


Oct. 


12. 


Nov. 


9. 


1878 


« 


Feb. 


1. 



$350 


00 


375 


00 


500 


00 


300 


00 


6 


00 


e titles, 5 


00 




50 


. 1 


10 


. 2 


50 


. 1 


00 


. 4 


50 




25 


. 3 


00 



1878. 

Leaving cash in hands of Agent, ... $176 54 

Value of notes drawing interest, . . . 10,853 97 

Accrued interest, about .... 722 70 



$11,753 21 
Increase of Devise for 1877, .... $403 70 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 



NELSON POTTER, Agent of said Devise. 



SIO 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 
MOSES WALLIS' WILL. 




MOSES WALLIS, of 

Douglas, in the county of 
Worcester, Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts, 
being in a very infirm 
liealth, and sensible too of 
my liableness to sudden 
death, at the same time 
l)eing, in m}^ own appre- 
hension, of a sound mind, do judge it best to make, and accord- 
ingly do hereby make this my last will and testament, hereby re- 
voking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made. 

It is my will that all just debts and charges of my funeral be 
paid and discharged by my Executor, hereinafter named and ap- 
pointed, out of that part of my estate hereinafter designated for 
that purpose, as soon as convenient after m}'^ decease. 

I give, devise and dispose of all mj' estate, both real and per- 
sonal (save what shall be necessary for the payment of my just 
debts, funeral charges, and to procure a set of good marble grave- 
stones, of the value of not less than fifty dollars, to be procured by 
ray said Executor, and by him erected at my grave as soon as con- 
veniently may be after my decease) , in the following manner, to- 
wit : — 

I give to my brother, Peter Wallis, two undivided third parts of 
all of that part of my Lapham wood lot lying in the westerly part 
of said Douglas, to hold to him, his lieirs and assigns forever. 

I give and devise unto my brother, Benjamin AVallis, and his 
son, Waldo AVallis, my saw-mill and privilege, with all my land 
laying together and adjoining said saw-mill and saw-mill privilege, 
with all the residue of my said Lapham wood lot (not hereinbefore 
devised to said Peter Wallis) lying upon the north and south side 
of said pond, and all situate in the westerly part of said Douglas, 
to hold to them, said Benjamin and Waldo, and their heirs and as- 
signs forever, together with all the privileges and appurtenances 
to the same belonging, and the tools and irons belonging to said 
saw-mill. 



THE MOSES WALLACE DEVTSE. 311 

I give and devise unto m}- brother, Joseph Wallis, all of my 
Willard Wallis wood lot, so-called, situate in the westerly part of 
«aid Douglas, to hold to him, his heirs and assigns forever. 

I give and devise unto ni}' brother, Rufus "Wallis, all of that 
mowing lot lying at the north end of the lane (running northerly 
from said Kufus' cider-mill yard), as the same is enclosed b}' the 
fences surrounding it, to hold to him, his heirs and assigns for- 
ever. 

I give and devise unto my said brother, Joseph Wallis, Peter 
H. Wallis (son of m3' brother Peter) , Elbridge G. Wallace, and 
Benjamin Wallis (son of m}' brother Rufus), all of that part of 
any real estate h'ing between the road (leading from the David 
Walker place in said Douglas to and by the dwelling-house of 
John Hunt in Sutton,) and the west line of Ezra Morse's land, and 
said west line continued in the same direction from the N. W. cor- 
ner of said Ezra's farm (which he purchased of the inhabitants of 
Douglas) northerly to Sutton south line ; bounded east by the 
■east line of a part of the same premises which ni}' father purchased 
of EUsha Hill, north by Sutton south hue, west by said road, and 
south by the road leading from said Walker place to said Morse's, 
.to hold to them, their heirs and assigns forever. 

I hereb}' order and direct mj' Executor, hereinafter named, 
to sell and convey all of my wood lot 13'ing upon the west side of, 
and adjoining the Oxford and Providence turnpike road, formerly 
so-called, bounded south by land of said Joseph Wallis, west by 
land of Aaron Wallis, and north b}' land of Samuel Dudley, 
together with all my wood lot lying at the northeast corner of my 
farm, bounded south by said Ezra Morse's said farm he purchased 
of said inhabitants, west by that tract of land herein before devised 
to said Joseph, Peter H., Elbridge Q., and Benjamin son of said 
Rufus, north by Sutton south line, and east by land of the Morses ; 
and I hereby farther order and direct my said Executor to sell 
at Public Auction, and so to dispose of all my movable personal 
propert}', including all my ha}^ grain, farming tools, carts, wagons, 
neat stock, horse, sheep, swine, household furniture and provisions, 
etc. Reserving, however, so much of my pro\'isions as shall be 
necessary' to be used in boarding those persons who my said Exe- 
outor may appoint to take the charge and care of my said personal 



312 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

property, until he may dispose of the same as aforesaid. P^xcept- 
ing also the following articles of personal property, which I other- 
wise dispose of, to wit : — 

I give to my brother Benjamin m}' Desk, Chest and small 
Trunk in said Chest, all my papers and Account Books. 

I give to said Waldo Wallis my Bible, Rollin's Ancient History,, 
in two volumes, and McKenzie's Receipts. I give to Prudence 
Wallis, wife of my brother Joseph, my History of the United 
States and Barber's Historical Collections, my feather bed, bol- 
sters, pillows, bedstead and cord, in mj' north Chamber, and m}' 
Chest of Drawers which were my mother's. I give to said P'lbridge 
G. Wallace my Book of the United States, Napoleon's Campaigns, 
Manners and Customs in two volumes. Laws of Massachusetts, 
Yankee Notions and Daboll's Ai-ithmetic, all my wearing apparel,, 
gun and all my military' accoutrements* 

I give to my four brothers, Peter, l^enjamin, Joi^eph and Rufus 
and said Elln-idge, all of the residue of my Librar}', to be equally 
divided between them. I give to my brothers Peter and Benja- 
min all m}' wool not manufactured into 3'arn. I give to my brother 
Rufus the chest of drawers which were my grandfather's. I give 
to my brother Peter m}' smallest Iron Bar, and the next in size I 
give to my brother Joseph, and the next in size I give to brother 
Benjamin, and my largest Iron Bar I give to Brother Rufus : with 
all my undivided personal property which I hold in common with 
said Rufus, I give to him. 

I give also to said Joseph all my Cooper and Carpenter tools. 

It is my desire that all the white and 3'ellow pine planlv, door 
studs, with the arms and boards for the doors belonging tO' 
my Parker Barn, be kept and not sold, except with the Real P2state, 
and it is my desire that my clock shall be sold and go with my 
dwelling, and that my feather beds, bolsters and pillows be sold by 
weight, and all my other personal property to be sold, be sold in 
such a manner as will be most beneficial to all concerned. 

I hereby order and direct my said Executor, that out of the 
proceeds of the sale of my said wood lots hereinbefore directed to 
be sold, and the proceeds of the sale of my said personal property, 
together with the amount of all the collections of all my securities, 
dues and demands owing and due to me at ni}^ decease, to pay the 
following Legacies to the following persons, in one vear after ray 



THE MOSES WALLACE DEVISE. 313 

decease, and interest on the same after payable, to Avit : (and after 
paying my just debts and the charges of my funeral) I give to my 
sister, Lydia Mclntire, the sum of one hundred dollars. 

I give to my deceased sister Sarah Dudle3''s five surviving chil- 
dren as follows : — 

To Sarah Dudle}', the sum of sixteen dollars and sixty-seven 
cents. To Samuel Dudley, Jr., the sum of sixteen dollars and 
sixtj'-seven cents. To Benjamin Dudley, the sum of sixteen dol- 
lars and sixty-seven cents. To Azubah Adams, wife of Oliver 
W. Adams, the sum of twenty-five dollars. To Nelson Dudley, 
the sum of twenty-five dollars. And in case there shall be any 
surplus left of said collections and proceeds of the sale of said 
personal property, after pacing said debts, charges. Legacies, and 
charges of administration or execution of this my said will, I 
hereby give unto Julia Ann Seism, wife of Uenr}^ vScism, the sum 
of fifty dollars, or the whole amount of said surplus, provided it 
does not exceed the sum of fifty dollars, and in case there shall 
still remain an^' surplus after paying said legacies, debts and 
charges, including the legacy to said Julia Ann, it is my will that 
the same shall be equally divided between Waldo Wallis above 
named, and Elbridge G. Wallace, after deducting the following- 
Legacy, to wit : — 

I give to Elbridge G. Wallace the sum of six hundred dollars. 

I give and devise unto the Inhabitants of said town of Douglas 
and their successors all the rest, residue and remainder of my 
Real Estate, to hold to them, their succ^essors and assigns forever, 
for the sole exclusive use and purpose of raising a fund to be ap- 
plied to and for the express uses and purposes hereinafter named ^ 
and none other whatsoever, and said Estate to be managed and 
disposed of, as well as said fund, in the manner I hereby order and 
direct, as follows, to wit : — 

I hereby order and direct the said inhabitants and their succes- 
sors (provided they accept of this devise to them in six months 
after the approval of this my said Will by the Probate Court of 
said County), by their agent or attorney selected for that purpose, 
by the legal voters of said Town, in Town meeting legally called 
for that purpose, to enter in and upon all of said Real Estate 
devised to said inhabitants, and the same to sell at Public Auction 
or private sale, in lots or otherwise, as said Inhabitants may deter- 



314 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

mine would be most for the benefit of said Town, and good and 
sufficient Deed or Deeds thereof to make, execute and dehver to 
the purchaser or purchasers, and so to do, finish and complete 
Avithin two 3'ears after the Probate of this my said Avill, and the 
proceeds of said sale of all said Eeal Estate devised to said Inhab- 
itants and their successors, shall be received by said agent or 
attorne}", or other person duly authorized (b}^ said Inhabitants or 
their successors ibr that purpose) , and under good and sufficient 
bonds to said Inhabitants, and approved by the Selectmen for the 
time being of said Town, and said proceeds so received I order 
and direct to be put out and secured on interest on good and suffi- 
cient title or titles to Real Estate of three times the value of the 
amount of the sum loaned, said value of said Real Estate mort- 
gaged to secure the sum or sums loaned, to be ascertained and 
determined by three disinterested freeholders of said To;5V'n (hav- 
ing no other interest in the loaning of said sum or sums, or the 
giving of the title or titles to secure the payment of the sums 
loaned, than that in common with said Inhabitants under this 
devise) , to be selected for that purpose by the said Inhabitants and 
their successors at a legal meeting called for that purpose in either 
of the months of March, April or November in each and every 
year, so long as there' shall be any of said proceeds of said sale or 
sums growing out of the same from the interest thereof to be 
loaned, and also as often as it will be necessary to change the 
security from the foreclosing of the mortgage or mortgages, and 
selling said mortgaged estates, to the end that said sum or sums 
shall be on interest for the benefit of said Town, according to the 
intent and meaning of this devise, and that no one person shall 
receive by loan as aforesaid a larger sum than five hundred dol- 
lars out of said proceeds or the interest which may thereon accrue 
during the time the said proceeds shall be kept out for the benefit 
of said town. And the said proceeds, so loaned, put out and 
secured on interest, I hereb}- direct shall be so kept on interest, to 
be paid annually and loaned out on the security aforesaid annually, 
for the term of sixty years from the time of the sale aforesaid, 
after deducting from said interest annuall}', as the same are 
incurred, the amount of the reasonable charges for taking the 
charge and care of said fund, of such person or persons as said 
Town may select for that purpose, including the fee of the 



THE MOSES WALLACE DEVISE. 315 

appraisers of the Estate mortgaged. I order and direct that at the 
expiration of said term of sixty 3'ears the said proceeds of said 
Real Estate, with all the interest and compound interest which may 
have been collected and secured on interest as aforesaid (after 
deducting as .nforesaid said chai'ges and fee), shall be so forever 
thereafter kept on interest to be paid annually, the said annual 
interest after the expiration of said term shall first be applied to 
the building of a good and durable town Hall, with galleries upon 
three sides of it, with a good clock and bell attached to it, and 
sufficiently large to accommodate said Inhabitants in the transac- 
tion of town business, and with the letters M. W. enscribed in 
gilt in some conspicuous place upon the wall at the head of said 
hall, the whole expense whereof not to exceed twelve thousand 
■dollars, which hall shall at all times be open and free for all Lec- 
tures, discourses and discussions upon the subject of politics and 
religion, not interfering with said Inhabitants in the transaction of 
any town business. 

And after said annual interest shall have paid and discharged 
the expense of the building of said hall, so much of said interest 
thereafter accruing as shall be necessar}- to keep said hall, clock 
and bell in repair, shall be expended for that purpose so long as 
:Said building shall stand (and in case said hall should be destroyed 
by fire, or otherwise, it is my desire that it be rebuilt out of said 
■annual interest thereafter accruing) , and in case there shall be any 
surplus left of said annual interest, after discharging the expense 
•of building said hall and keeping the same in repair as aforesaid, 
it is my will that the same shall first be applied for the support of 
the Paupers of said town, and in case after supporting said Pau- 
pers there shall still a surplus remain unexpended, the same shall 
1)6 apphed to the Public Highways of said Town of Douglas, and 
so forever after the building of said hall, subject onl}', in the 
■destruction of the first aforesaid hall, of rel)uilding as aforesaid, 
and the expense of taking the care and charge of said fund, as 
herein before named, said hall to be located in the most central 
and convenient place to accommodate said Inhabitants. 

And in case said Inhal)itants shall, for the space of six months 
after the approval of this my last will by the Probate Court as 
aforesaid, neglect or refuse to accept of this devise to them, and 
do not accept of the same, In^ a vote taken in Town meeting (to 



316 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

that effect) and called for that purpose, then this devise to them 
shall become null and void. Then, in that case, I give and devise 
the same Real testate I herein before devised to said Inhabitants, 
nnto Elbridge G. Wallace, to hold for and during the term of hia 
natural life. It is m}- will that said Inhabitants take the profit 
and income of the Estate devised to them, from my decease until 
sold as aforesaid, in case they accept of said devise, and not 
otherwise. 

I give and devise unto the male children of my lu'others, Peter,. 
Benjamin and Joseph, all the rest, residue and remainder of all 
the Real Estate above devised to said Elbridge (in case said In- 
habitants do not accept of the devise to them as aforesaid)., to be 
equally divided between them, except Dexter Wallis and Mason 
Wallis, sons of my brother Joseph, who it is my will shall take 
nothing b}' this devise. And I hereby nominate, constitute and 
appoint my brother, Benjamin Wallis, sole Executor of this my 
last will and testament. 

In witness whereof I, Moses Wallis, have hereunto set m}'" 
hand and seal, and publish and declare this to be my last will and 
testament, this sixteenth day of November in A. D. 1841. 

The words, " in my north chamber," interlined between the 24th 
and 25th lines from the top on page 3, and the erasure between the 
last word on page 4 and the first word "given" on page 5, and 
the word " s'd," interlined between the 14th and loth lines from the 
top on page 6, and the words " no one," interlined between the 
26th and 27th lines of page 6, and the erasure directly under said 
words " no one," in line 27 on page 6, and the erasure of the first 
w^ord in line 28 of page 6, from the top, were all made before 
signing and sealing of this instrument. 

MOSES WALLIS, (l. s.) 

Signed, sealed, published and declared l)y the said Moses 
Wallis, as his last will and testament, in the presence of us who, 
in his presence and at his request, have hereunto set our names as. 
witnesses. 

AMOS HUMES, 
ELIJAH BIGLOW,. 
A copy, WARREN HUMES. 

Attest, CHAS. G. J^RENTISS, lieg. 



APPENDIX. 



Having already stated the action taken by onr town in the 
suppression of the War of the Rebellion, and placed on record the 
names of Douglas men who had the courage to fight, and to die if 
need be, in the defense of their country, it seems but fitting, in a 
work of this kind, to make a permanent record of their army ex- 
periences during the four years' struggle. F'or this purpose we 
liave gatliered and prepared from various sources the following- 
sketches of the several regiments, endeavoring to bring out the 
prominent points in the history of each, more particularly those 
in which our town was largel}' represented. 

By way of introduction we will make a brief allusion to the 
early Massachusetts regiments answering the first call of the 
President for three months' men, to aid in suppressing the Rebel- 
lion. The assault upon Fort Sumpter was made April 12, 1861, 
and on the 15th of April Governor Andrew received, through Sen- 
ator Henr}' Wilson, a telegram from Washington asking for twenty' 
companies of volunteers to be sent on immediately. In the course 
of the day formal requisitions were received from the Secretary of 
War and the Adjutant-General of the arm}' for two full regiments, 
upon receipt of which Governor Andrew caused a special order to 
be immediately issued by Adjutant-General Schouler requiring the 
commanding officers of the Third, Fourth, Sixth and Eighth Militia 
to muster the regiments under their command in uniform on Boston 
Common forthwith, in answer to the call made by the President, 
the troops to go to Washington. 

On the morning of the following day the troops began to arrive 
in Boston from the towns where they were located in different sec- 
tions of the State, the Third Regiment coming from New Bed- 
ford, the Fourth from Quincy, the Sixth from Pepperell, and the 



318 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Eighth from Lynu. Before night every company that had received' 
its orders in time had reported at headquarters for duty. 

The question as to who can claim the honor of first reaching- 
Boston has since occasioned some controversy among military 
men, but is conceded ])y Adjutant-General Schouler to the three 
companies of the Eighth Regiment belonging to Marblehead. 

While the troops were making their way to Boston, with all 
possible dispatch, another telegram was received from Senator 
Wilson, stating that Massachusetts was to furnish four regiments. 
Accordingly the Fifth Regiment was ordered to report, and Briga- 
dier-General Benjamin F. Butler was, on the 17th, detailed to 
command the troops (which were designated as the Massachusetts 
Brigade) , and established his temporar}' headquarters' at the State 
House. 

On the afternoon of the IGth the Third, Fourth and Sixth 
Regiments were ready to proceed, and the following day the Sixth 
started for Washington, passing through New York on the 18th, 
and earl^' on the morning of the 19th proceeded in company with 
a portion of the Seventh Pennsylvania, on that memorable march 
through the Cit}^ of Baltimore, in which they were assailed by an 
infuriated mob of 8,000 people, resulting in the killing of three 
and wounding of thirty-eight of their number. 

On the od of May the President issued his first call for volun- 
teers to serve for three years, or during the war. On the 4th of 
May the Secretary of War issued an order stating the number of 
regiments to be raised, and the way in which they were to be or- 
ganized. It was, however, more than a fortnight after the Presi- 
dent's call before the necessary authority was granted for muster- 
ing them into the service. Nearly ten thousand were already en- 
listed as militia. At last, on the 22d of ]\Iay, Governor Andrew 
received a letter from Secretary Cameron, permitting Massachusetts 
to furnish six regiments of three years' men. 

The plan of organization of regiments, as prescribed in the or- 
der issued under this call, was as follows : Each regiment was to 
be composed of ten companies, each companj^ to have a captain, 
two lieutenants and ninety-eight enlisted men. The staff and 
field officers of a regiment were to consist of a colonel, lieutenant- 
colonel, major, adjutant, quartermaster, assistant surgeon, ser- 
geant-major, quartermaster-sergeant, commissary-sergeant, hospi- 



APPENDIX. 319^ 

tal steward, two principal musicians, and a band of twentj'-foui"^ 
musicians. This plan of organizing regiments was kept up dur- 
ing the war, excepting that the regimental bands were discon- 
tinued. 

In order that there might not be a repetition in numbering the 
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth (three months' regiments) were al- 
lowed to retain their own designations, and the next three years' regi- 
ment was called the Seventh. It was recruited by Colonel Couch 
at "Camp Old Colon}-," near Taunton. The First and Second 
Regiments were included in the six selected to complete the requi- 
sition of the Secretary of War. The First was from Camp Cam- 
eron, in North Cambridge, and left for Washington June 15, 
passing through Baltimore June 17, and was the first three years' 
regiment that reached Washington. 

The Second was recruited by Colonel Gordon and officers under 
his command, establishing themselves at " Camp Andrew " in West 
Roxbury, leaving for the seat of war on the 8th of July, 1861. 

The Eighth was a three mouths' regiment, and retaijied its orig- 
inal number, and the next three years' regiment w'as called the 
Ninth. It was composed almost entirely of men of Irish birth, 
and was recruited by Colonel Thomas Case on Long Island, in 
Boston harbor, and left for Washington on the twenty-fourth of 
June. 

The Tenth was recruited in the western part of the State, was 
in camp near Springfield for a time, until completely organized, 
when it was transferred to Medford, remaining there until July 25, 
when it was ordered to Washington. 

ELEVENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was oi'ganized May 9, 1861, at Fort Warren, 
and mustered into the service of the United States June 13, 
marched to Camp Cameron, North Cambridge, June 15, and left for 
Washington June 24. The Eleventh was engaged in the first 
battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and during the year 1862 at 
the battles on the Peninsula and before Richmond, second Bull 
Run, and Fredericksburg. It left the State under the command: 
of Colonel George Clark, Jr., who resigned October 11, 1861, and 
"was succeeded by Colonel William Blaisdell. The following nar— 



320 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

rative, furnished b}'^ Lieutenant-Colonel Tripp, gives a history of 
its services during the year 1863 : — 

" On the morning of the 11th of December, 1862, in obedience 
to orders from superior headquarters, our regiment marched 
towards the Rappahannock river, crossed the river at Franklin's 
Crossing on the night of the 12th, and was detailed to guard the 
pontoon bridge at that point ; performed this duty until the night 
of the loth instant, when we were ordered to the front ; remained 
at the front until the night of the 16th instant, when we recrossed 
the river, and marched back to the old camp. During this cam- 
paign the regiment did not become actively engaged with the 
enemy; the only casualties were two men slightly wounded. 

"On the 20th of January, 1863, we again moved, and after 
marching about six miles in a drenchins; rain-storm we were com- 
pelled to halt, owing to the bad state of the roads, it being found 
impossible to move the trains. We remained here building and 
repairing roads until the 23d instant, when we marched back to 
camp. Nothing of importance transpired until the 5th of Febru- 
ary, when we were ordered to support a force of cavalry which was 
sent to destroy a bridge across the Rappahannock at the station 
above United States Ford. Marched to United States Ford, a 
distance of seventeen miles, and after the object for which we 
were sent out was accomplished we returned to camp, where we 
arrived on the 7th. 

" We remained in camp until the morning of the 29th of April, 
when we marched to Franklin's Crossing, on the Rappahannock, 
and from there to United States Ford, where we crossed the river 
and marched to Chancellorsville. The regiment was ordered to 
report to General Hancock for dut^^ ; reported on the morning of 
the 2d of May, and were ordered to reconnoitre and feel the enemy's 
position on the left of our line of battle, and on the plank road. 
The regiment became hotly engaged with the enemy earh' in the 
day, and though the enemy's force was greater than ours we 
succeeded in repulsing them four times from attacks which they 
made on our position on the plank road. General Hancock 
thanked the regiment for the gallantry it displaj'ed on that occa- 
sion. Next morning at two o'clock joined the division, became 
hotly engaged with the enemy early on the morning of the 3d 
instant, suffering considerable loss ; we remained on the south side 



APPENDIX. 321 

of the river until tlie 6th instant, when we recrossed and proceeded 
to our old camp. The distance marched during this campaign 
was about forty-two miles. 

Remained in camp until the afternoon of the 11th of June, 
1863, when we were ordered to march. Marched to Hartwood 
Church, and halted for the night. Marched to Beverly Ford on 
the Rappahannock, and after remaining here one day, and at Gum 
Springs five days, crossed the Potomac into Maryland at Edward's 
Ferry. Moved by way of Poolesville, Burkittsville, Middleton, 
Frederick, Tane^'town, and Emmettsburg, reaching Gettysburg on 
the afternoon of July 1st. Was engaged with the enem}' during 
the 2d and 3d instants, with a very heavy loss (over one-half of 
what was engaged). Remained at Gettysburg until the morning of 
the 7th instant, when we took up the line of march towards Wil- 
liamsport, moving by wa}^ of Emmettsburg, Mechanicstown, 
Frederick, and Middleton. Crossed South Mountain to Antietam 
Creek near Keedysville, and arrived at Williamsport on the 14th 
instant. Here we found the enem}- had retreated across the river. 
Started again on the 15th of Jul}", moving in the direction of 
Harper's Ferr}-. Crossed the Potomac into Virginia at this point, 
and moved to Upperville, near Ashby's Gap. Here we remained 
until the 22d instant, when we again started, and reached Manassas 
Gap about noon on the 23d instant. Here the enemy was found 
in force, and dispositions made for a battle. This regiment was 
held in reserve, and did not become engaged. 

During the night the enemy evacuated, and in the morning we 
were started in pursuit, chasing him as far as Front Roj'al, where 
we found he had crossed the river. Marched back through the 
Gap, and halted for the night at Markham's Station on the Manas- 
sas Gap Railroad. Next morning took up the line of march for 
Warrenton, where we arrived on the 26th instant, and went into 
camp. Remained here until the morning of the 1st of August, 
when we marched to Beverly Ford. Arrived there the same night, 
and went into camp. During this campaign the regiment marched 
four hundred and ten miles in a hot summer's sun, and participated 
in one of the hardest contested battles of the war. 

Remained in camp near Beverly Ford, furnishing daily details 
for picket and other duties, until the loth of September, when we 
inarched to Culpepper, crossing the Rappahannock river at Free- 
21 



322 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

man's Ford, arriving at Culpepper on the morning of the 17th in- 
stant, and went into camp. We remained in this camp until the 
morning of Oct. 8, when we were ordered to march to James City 
and support Kilpatrick's cavalry division. Reached cavalry head- 
quarters early in the day, and remained here supporting the cav- 
alry, who had frequent skirmishes with the enemy, until the night 
of the 10th instant, when we marched back to Culpepper. Left 
Culpepper next morning, and recrossed the river at Freeman's 
Ford on the night of the 12th instant. Remained picketing Bev- 
erly and other fords on that river till such time as the army had 
fallen back. The enemy's cavalrj^ made their appearance near 
Beverl3''s Ford, but did not attempt to cross. Ordered to join the 
division on the morning of the 14th instant. After marching all 
day and night, arrived at Greenwich at 4 o'clock a. m. on the loth 
Instant. Started again at daybreak, and arrived at Centreville 
Heights on the night of the 15th instant. Moved to Union Mills, 
on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and went into camp at 
that place on the afternoon of the 16th instant. Distance marched, 
since leaving Culpepper, fifty-one miles. Broke up camp at Union 
Mills on the morning of the 19th of October, and moved up the 
Orange and Alexandria Railroad to Bristow's Station, where we 
halted for the night. Next morning marched through Greenwich 
towards Catlett's Station, and halted for the night about four miles 
from the latter place. Arrived at Catlett's Station on the after- 
noon of the 21st instant, and went into camp. The regiment was 
detailed to guaixl a supply-train to the depot at Bristow's Station 
and back to camp. Marched twent3'-two miles. 

Bi'oke camp on the 30th instant, and marched to within three 
miles of Bealton Station, where we encamped. Remained here 
until the morning of the 7th of November, when we marched to 
Kelle3''s Ford on the Rappahannock. Arrived there about 3 o'clock 
p. M. Found the First Division of this corps engaged with the 
enemy. We did not become engaged. Crossed the river and 
moved to Brand}' Station, where we went into camp on the evening 
of the 8th instant, having marched twent}^-three miles since leav- 
ing camp near Bealton Station. 

Remained in camp near Brandy Station until the morning of 
the 26th of November, when we marched to Jacob's Mills Ford, 
on the Rapidan. Crossed the river at this point, and bivouacked 



APPENDIX. 323 

for the night about three miles from the Ford, having marched dur- 
ing the day seventeen miles. Next morning we started (after 
some delay in finding the right road) , and encountered the enemy at 
a place called Locust Grove. We became engaged with the enemy 
earl}^ in the afternoon, and after a brisk engagement, which lasted 
till dark, we were relieved by the Third Division, Sixth Corps. 
Lay on our arms during the night, about fift}^ yards from the bat- 
tle-field. Moved next morning to Robinson's Tavern, and the 
same night moved up to a position near " Mine Run," where the 
enemy was found in an intrenched position. After marching and 
countermarching through the woods during the entire day of the 
29th instant we went into camp for the night. We were ordered 
to report to General Warren, on the plank road, at 2 o'clock a. m. 
the same night. Reported at 4 o'clock a. m., and formed line of 
battle in front of the enem3r's works. We were in the line of 
.«tormers that were ordered to charge the enem3^'s line of fortifica- 
tions. The project of storming the works was abandoned. On 
the morning of Dec. 1 we were ordered to join Gregg's cavalry 
division, and act as rear-guard on the plank road. Performed this 
dut}', and crossed the river, on our way back to camp, near Brandy 
Station, Dec. 2, 18G3. Reached camp on the afternoon of the 3d 
•of December, and at once made preparations for winter quarters. 

REPORT OP CASUALTIES. 

Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 11, 12, 13, 14 and 
15, 1862: — 
Enlisted men — Wounded, . . . . . . 2 



Battle of Chancellorsville, May 1, 2, 3 and 4, 1863 
■Commissioned officers — Killed, .... 

Wounded, 
Enlisted men — Killed, ..... 
Wounded, ..... 
Missing, 



2 

5 

9 

52 

11 



Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2 and 3, 1863 : — 

Commissioned officers — Killed, ..... 1 

Wounded, ..... 5 

Missing, . . . . . 2 



324 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

Enlisted men — Killed, . . . . . . .25 

Wounded, 88 

Missing, ....... 8- 

Battle of Locust Grove, Va., November 27, 1863 : — 
Commissioned officers — Wounded, ..... 2 

Enlisted men — Killed, ....... 4 

Wounded, . . - . . . .15 

Missing, . . . . . . . 8 

One commissioned officer and eleven enlisted men died of 
wounds received in action who are reported wounded in the above 
report. 

In the spring of 1864 General Grant, having been called to 
the command of the Union forces, and the campaign against 
Richmond being planned, the Eleventh was again brought into 
active service, and suffered severely in the bloody battles of the 
Wilderness, Spotts^dvania, before Petersburg, and at Hatches' Run, 
Va., where the fighting and courage exceeded an^'thing we have 
recorded in previous campaigns. 

On the 1st of January', 1865, the battalion lay in the works in 
front of Petersburg, attached to the Third Brigade, Third Division, 
Second Arm}^ Corps, performing picket and fatigue dut}' until the 
5th of February, when it took part in a movement and action 
designed to extend the lines. The regiment assisted in the con- 
struction of a new line of works, and occupied a portion of them 
until March 26. On the 29th the regiment made a gallant charge 
on the enemy's main line of works, in which Captain Bennett and 
Lieutenant Harrington, with a number of men, becoming separated 
from the rest of the command, were overpowered and captured. 

During the retreat of the enemy, which soon followed, the 
Eleventh took an active part in the capture of tlieir trains and 
munitions of war, and was in the advance when the formal surren- 
der of the ' ' Army of Northern Virginia " took place. The regi- 
ment tlien moved to the vicinity of Washington, D, C, and per- 
formed light guard duty until orders were received for its discharge 
at Readville, Mass., to which place it was transported and dis- 
charged July 14. 

The Eleventh took part in the following engagements : First 
Bull Run, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, 



APPENDIX. 



325 



Glendale, Malvern Hill, Bristoe Station, Second Bull Run, Chan- 
tilly, Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, Gettysburg, Kelly's Ford, 
Locust Grove, AVilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopo- 
tomy. Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, 
Poplar Spring Church, and Boydton Road. 



FIFTEENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 



This regiment was recruited in Worcester county, fourteen of 
its men being from Douglas. It was mustered into the service of 
the United States June 12th, 1861, under the command of Col. 
Charles Devens, Jr. The regiment, during the process of recruit- 
ing, organizing and drilling, was encamped at Camp Scott in the 



,l^L I I J JJJ 




PLAN OF THE BATTLE-FIELD AT BALL'S BLUFF. 



city of Worcester, from which place they left for Washington 
Aug. 8th, 1861. The Fifteenth was first engaged at the battle of 
Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21st, 1861, which made it one of the marked 
Tegiments of Massachusetts. The loss sustained was heavy in 
killed, wounded and missing. The forces engaged were unskill- 
fuUy handled, pressed into needless danger, surrounded andslaugh- 
'Cred. The following account of the tragedy is given by one who 
witnessed the scene, but fortunately escaped by swimming the 
river after being wounded : — 

" About 1 o'clock on themorningof October 21st Colonel Dev- 
ens crossed the Potomac river with his regiment to the Virginia shore, 



326 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

and ascended the heights known as Ball's Bluff, a steep embank- 
ment rising nearly a hundred and fifty feet above the river to a level 
with the adjacent country. Bj^ da3light he had formed his men 
on the summit of the blutf. A compan}' of the Twentieth, under 
command of Colonel Lee, also crossed and took up its position 
near by. Scouts were sent out to learn the position of the rebels, 
but discovered no traces of them. Upon -advancing towards Lees- 
burg they were met by a body of rebel infantrj', and soon after 
rebel cavalry' appeared in the road leading to Leesburg, whereupon 
Colonel Devens fell back to the bluff, where he remained until noon. 
The men were formed in a field of five or six acres, surrounded on 
three sides by woods, being attacked by the enem}^ who had sta- 
tioned themselves in the woods for that purpose. He fell back 
again to the very edge of the bluff, where he was reinforced by a 
California regiment. Colonel Baker, who assumed command of the 
forces, nearly two thousand men in all. 

The battle was now fairly begun, and for more than two hours 
•was kept up, our men fighting desperatel}^ and with great loss of 
life by reason of the unprotected position they occupied. About 
5 o'clock Colonel Baker fell, shot through the head. His successor, 
Colonel Cogswell, made an attempt to cut his way through the 
enemy's lines to Edward's Ferry, where the Union forces were sta- 
tioned, but was overpowered, and under a most destructive tire 
retreated down the embankment. The enem}' gathered on the bluff, 
pouring volle}^ after volley into the helpless mass below. Many 
were shot on the bank, or in the water while attempting to swim 
across. The boats were overcrowded and sunk, and many were 
carried down by the current and drowned ; others were fortunate 
enough to escape in the darkness unobserved, and reach the Union 
lines safely." 

It is estimated that at least one-half the men engaged in this, 
battle on the Union side were either killed, wounded, or taken 
prisoners. 

The Fifteenth was next engaged at the battles on the Peninsula, 
and afterwards at Antietam and Fredericksburg. Colonel Devens 
was promoted Brigadier-General of Volunteers, and left the regi- 
ment to take command of a brigade at Yorktown. He was suc- 
ceeded by Colonel (then Lieutenant-Colonel) George H.. Ward. 



APPENDIX. 327 

The regiment went into winter quarters near Falmouth, Va., 
on the same ground occupied by it previous to the battle of 
Fredericksburg, about the 20th of December, 1862. 

On the 5th of February', 1863, Colonel Ward joined the regi- 
ment, having been absent (sutfering from the loss of a leg) since 
the battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21st, 1861. The regiment was 
subjected to a heavy detail for picket duty during the winter and 
spring, nothing worth}' of note occurring until the spring cam- 
paign, under General Hooker, commenced. 

On the 28th day of April the First and Third Divisions of the 
Second Corps moved towards Kelly's Ford, leaving the Second 
Division — of which the Fifteenth regiment formed a part — to 
picket the line formerl}- occupied by the corps. 

On Saturday, the 2d of May, orders came to the Fifteenth reg- 
iment about 12 o'clock (midnight) to move. The regiment 
marched to the Lacy House, and at a little before sunrise the 
Second Division crossed the Rappahannock on pontoon bridges — 
at the same point where the Second Corps crossed in December, 
1862 — with little or no opposition, the rebel pickets having been 
principally withdrawn from the city to the first line of works. 
The Fifteenth was soon after directed to take a position on the 
extreme right of the First Brigade, and commenced moving to a 
point on the right of the city, and at the same moment the 
enem3''s batteries opened from three different points with solid 
shot and shell, which they kept up while the regiment was going 
the distance of half a mile. At the same time this movement 
was going on the enem}' were hurrying up their infantry' at double- 
qnick, and filling the rifle-pits on the crest of the hill in our front, 
almost in rifle range. It was our good fortune to have a slight 
embankment for a cover, where we remained for two hours, until 
the position known as Mary's Heights, in rear of the famous 
bank-wall rifle-pit — where so many brave men laid down their 
lives at the first battle of Fredericksburg — was flanked by Gen- 
eral Sedgwick's Sixth Corps, and the enemy in our front began to 
fall back. A canal, some thirty feet wide, and too deep to ford, 
prevented our advancing directl}' in front, and we were obliged to 
return to the city before doing so. During the time we had 
remained there the enemj- had placed two guns in such a position 
on the bluff, on the south side of the river, that they had an enfi- 



328 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

lading fire on our line while returning to the cit)'', but, either 
through their great haste to join their fleeing comrades, or bad 
practice, they did us little harm — but two men slightly wounded 
during the whole shelling. After following up the enemy two 
miles, the Second Division was ordered back to the cit}" — the 
Fifteenth to the north bank of the river, supporting battery A, 
First Rhode Island Artillery, which covered the pontoon bridge, 
where we remained until the following da}" about dusk, when 
companies A, B, E and G- moved into the rifle-pits above and 
below the bridge, to cover its removal. 

The regiment camped near the banks of the river until the 8th 
instant, when we moved half a mile to the rear, to get better 
ground for camping purposes. Here the regiment remained, doing 
picket duty along the river, until Sunday, the 14th of June, when 
it moved, about 9 o'clock p. m., towards Stafford Court-house. 
After going three miles it countermarched and returned to our old 
camp, and bivouacked until 3 a. m. of the 15th, when it again 
started, passing Stafford Court-house about 11 a. m. The day 
was excessively hot, and the roads dusty, and a great portion of 
the way leading through valleys shut out from air, and terribly 
exposed to the hot rays of the sun, which told fearfully on the 
men. Halted about 6 p. m. for the night. 

June 16. Moved about 3 o'clock a. m., passing Dumfries 
at 8, and arrived at the Occoquan river about sunset — being 
another sultry and tedious day. Bivouacked for the night. 
Moved, the 17th, at 8 o'clock, and arrived at Sangster's Station, 
on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, at 2 o'clock p. m. Here 
the regiment went into camp, and remained until Friday, the 19th. 
Marched, at half-past 12 p. in. for Centreville, five miles distant, 
where it arrived at dark. 

June 20. The regiment moved to Thoroughfare Gap, a dis- 
tance of eighteen miles, arriving there about midnight, after a 
tedious march. It remained there until the 25th. Our forces 
moved towards the Upper Potomac. The right wing of the regi- 
ment was deployed as flankers, covering the line of march, which 
for a considerable distance was harrassed by the enemy's cavalry 
and artillery. One man of the regiment was wounded. The 
bivouack this night was at Gum Springs, fifteen miles from Thor- 
oughfare Gap. A heavy rain rendered the marching very tire- 
gome. 



' APPENDIX. 329 

On the morninof of the 2Gth the reoiment marched to Edward's 
Ferry, where, after many wearisome Iialts, it crossed the Potomac, 
bivouacking about midnight on the Maryland bank of the river. 
Distance marched about ten miles. 

On the 27th marched about 3 p. m. Bivouacked at 11 p. m., 
near Sugar-loaf Mountain, after marching a distance of twelve 
miles. Previous to this march the following order was read to 
the reoiment : — 



■'» 



" Headquarters Second Division, Second Corps, 



[ 



Edward's Ferry, Va., June 26th, 1863. 

' [General Orders, No. 105.] 

The Fifteenth and Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, for march- 
ing to-day in the best and most compact order, and with the least strag- 
gling from their ranks, are excused from all picket duty and outside 
details for four days. 

By command of 

Brigadier-General Gibbon. 
J. P. Wood, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General." 

June 28. Marched to Frederick City, a distance of eighteen 
miles. 

June 29. Moved at 8 a. m., and bivouacked at 9 p. m. near 
Uniontown, Md., after acc-omplishing a march of thirty -three 
miles. The men were much prostrated by this terrible tax on 
their endurance. 

Tuesda}', June 30. The regular muster for pay was made, and 
the order of General Meade, assuming command of the army, 
published. 

Julyl. Started at 8 A. M., and marched to Taneytown. About 
noon heavy cannonading was heard to the northward. The troops 
were at once put in motion, and marched rapidly towards the 
Pennsylvania line, under stringent orders to allow no man, for any 
•cause, to fall behind. Bivouacked at night behind a barricade of 
rails, three-miles south of Gettysburg. Distance marched this day 
;seventeen miles. 

Thursday, July 2. The regiment started an hour before day- 
light for the battle-field, and got into position about sunrise, be- 
hind Cemeteiy Ridge, where a large portion of the Second Corps 
was massed. Though there was constant skirmishing, no demon- 



330 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

stration of any importance was made from either side until about 
1 p. M., when the enom^' opened fire with artillei\y on the Second 
Corps, bursting their shells with great accurac}' over its position. 
The Fifteenth, with another regiment of the brigade, was now 
moved out to position full three hundred 3'ards in front of the main 
line. Here a barricade of rails was hastily thrown up. About 
sunset the enemy made a furious assault upon our lines. Having 
driven in the Third Corps, they speedily gained the flank of this 
advanced detachment of the Second. The batteries on the ridge 
opened on their advance with grape and case-shot, but through 
some deplorable mistake most of the shots fell short, and tore 
with destructive effect through the ranks of the Fifteenth. Ex- 
posed thus to a fire in front, flank and rear, the regiment waa 
forced, after considerable loss, to fall back to the position behind 
the ridge. The regiment bivouacked on the battle-field. 

On Friday, Jul}' 3, the rebels opened on our lines with over a 
hundred pieces of artillery', at about 1 p. m. This terrible fire was 
continued for over two hours, but, though the air seemed filled 
with the fragments of bursting shells, comparatively little dam- 
age was done. At 3 p. m. the rebel infantry moved to the as- 
sault. Our men sprang promptly to meet them, glad at a prospect 
of work — relieving them from their painful recumbent position, 
which a broiling sun rendered the more intolerable. This contest 
lasted an hour or two, during which both armies showed a deter- 
mination to hold its ground, regardless of the results. A slight 
wavering of the rebel line was detected, and, at the suggestion of 
Colonel Hall, commanding Third Brigade, the colors of the Fif- 
teenth were ordered to advance, when the remnant of the regiment 
rallied promptly around them, and the whole line, as if moved by 
one impulse, rushed forward and carried the position. The regi- 
ment was sent out to picket the field, and at daylight on the 
morning of the 4th skirmishing commenced, and continued until 
the regiment was relieved, at 8 o'clock. The regiment went into- 
action with 18 oflScers and 221 enUsted men. During the three 
days it lost 3 officers (Colonel Ward and Captains Murkland and 
Jorgensen) killed, and 8 officers wounded, and 19 enlisted men 
killed and 85 wounded — many of whom have since died. Satur- 
day', Jul}' 4, was spent on the field. 

At 2 p. M., Sunday, Jul}' 5th, the regiment left the battle- 



APPENDIX. 331 

ground and marched to Two Taverns, a distance of six miles, 
where it remained until the morning of the 7th, when it moved 
five miles further to Taneytown. Leaving Tanej-town on the 8th, 
in a pouring rain, the march was continued over horrible roads, 
through Woodsborough to the neighborhood of Frederick Cit}', a 
distance of eighteen miles. On this march the dispatch announc- 
ing the capture of Vicksburg was published to the troops, and 
was received with the greatest enthusiasm. 

July 9, the march was resumed at an early hour. Crossed South 
Mountain at Crampton's Gap. Bivouacked at 9 p. m. Distance 
marched, twenty miles. 

July 10, marched to the vicinity of Antietam battle-fleld, a dis- 
tance of eight miles. 

July 11, moved three or four miles, to a point near Hagerstown. 

On the 12th the regiment took its position in the line of the 
Second Corps in front of the enem}', and built a strong breast- 
work of earth and logs, behind which it lay until the morning of 
the 14th, when, the enemj- having retreated across the river, our 
forces moved up and occupied Williamsport. 

On the 15th the regiment marched to Sharpsburg, and from 
thence by the " tow-path" to the vicinit}- of Sandy Hook, a dis- 
tance of seventeen miles. 

July 16, moved about five miles to Pleasant Valley, and camped 
until the 18th, when, crossing the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers 
at Harper's Ferry, the line of march was taken up down Loudon 
Valley, over the same ground traveled in the fall campaign of the 
previous year. Distance marched this day ten miles. 

July 19, moved about eight miles, to the vicinity of Snicker's 
Gap. 

July 20, moved to Bloomfield, six miles, at which place a halt 
was made until the 22d, when the march was continued to Ashb^^'s 
Gap, a distance of eleven miles. 

On the 23d moved to Markham Station, on the Manassas Gap 
Railroad. Here a halt of some hours was made. Meantime a por- 
tion of the Third Corps, having become engaged with the enemy at 
Manassas Gap, the Second Corps was started to their assistance. 
Hurrying as fast as possible over paths frightfull}' rough, it reached 
the scene of conflict about midnight, when the exhausted men 
were allowed to make coffee and to bivouac for the remainder of 
the night. Distance marched this day seventeen miles. 



332 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

On the 24th the rebels having retreated, our forces began to 
move out of the Gap. The Fifteenth bivouacked at Markham 
Station, five miles back. 

On the 25th marched to White Plains, a distance of twenty 
miles, and continuing the march on the 26th, via Warrenton to the 
Junction, a distance of twenty-three miles, went into camp near 
the latter place. Here the regiment remained nntil the 30th. 
Tents were struck at 6 o'clock p. m., and the corps moved 
towards Morris ville. Being the rear-guard of trains, our move- 
ments were necessarily very slow, making but five miles before 
2 o'clock A. M. of the 31st. Bivouacked by the roadside until 
morning. Moved again about 9 a. m,, and reached Morrisville at 
5 p. M., and encamped in the woods. Weather very hot. 

Augnst 4, moved one mile toward Bealton Station, for the pur- 
pose of getting better ground for camping purposes. Weather 
excessively hot. 

August 15, received one hundred and seventy-nine recruits 
under the " Conscript Act." 

Augnst 18, again changed our camping ground by mo\-ing 
■about one mile in a northerly direction, these camps being known 
■as " Camp near Morrisville." 

August 30, orders came for the regiment to be ready to move 
at 3 o'clock a. m. of the 31st. The Second Corps marched at 
that hour toward Falmouth, Virginia, to guard the fords along the 
Rappahannock, while the cavalry force, with flying artillery under 
•General Kilpatrick, moved farther down, to destroy two small gun- 
boats in the river, captured by the enemy two days before. The 
regiment, with the rest of the Second Division, went to Banks' Ford, 
arriving there about sunset. Distance marched, twentv miles. 
Remained at this point until September 3d, when, the object of the 
movement having been successfully accomplished, namely, the 
destruction of the gunboats, we took up the line of march for our 
camp at Morrisville, at half-past 6 o'clock p. m., which place was 
reached at 2 o'clock a. m. of September 4th. 

September 12, the regiment broke camp at 10 o'clock a. m., 
and with the rest of the Second Corps marched to Bealton Sta- 
tion, and bivouacked near the railroad. 

September 13, very rainy in forenoon. The regiment moved 
at 7 a. m.j and crossed the Rappahannock at Rappahannock Sta- 



APPENDIX. 333 

tion, the Second Corps being a support to the cavalary, which 
■vras advancing towards Culpepper Court-house, which place we 
reached at 4 o'clock p. it. Remained here until the 16th, when 
the regiment moved out through the town one mile and a half in 
a westerly direction, and was directed to go into camp. All the 
while rapid cannonading was distinctly heard towards Raccoon 
Ford, on the Rapidan river. The men had scarcely got their 
tents pitched when orders came to be ready to move at a mo- 
ment's notice. Every man laid himself down that night with the 
feeling that he would be called upon to meet the enemy on the 
anniversary of the bloody battle of Antietam. 

September 17, orders came to move at 5 o'clock a. m., when 
the regiment moved towards Raccoon Ford, where it arrived 
about noon. The Second Corps relieved the cavalry, and picketed 
along the river from the Ford to Cedar Mountain, this regiment 
being situated opposite Robinson's Ford. For several days the 
enemy kept up a constant fire on our pickets, whenever exposed 
to view, themselves being concealed among the scrub-oaks on the 
bluff on the south side of the river. They seemed to take the oc- 
casion of our relieving pickets to fire upon us, which compelled 
our men to deploy and reach their position at the double-quick. 

October 5, the Second Corps was relieved by the Sixth Corps, 
and the regiment marched on the 6th back to Culpepper, and 
encamped about a mile north of the town. 

October 10, orders were received about noon to strike tents 
immediatel}', and the regiment had scarcely got packed up when 
the bugle sounded the " assembly." Lines were formed, and we 
marched out some four miles west of the ground occupied, and 
formed a line of battle along a piece of woods, stacked arms, and 
bivouacked in rear of the stacks. 

October 11, turned out at half-past 1 a. m., and moved at 2 
o'clock via Brand}^ Station to Rappahannock Station. Re- 
crossed the river about noon, and moved out one mile north of 
Bealton Station. 

October 12, the regiment received orders at 1 o'clock p. m. 
to move immediately.' Proceeded back to Rappahannock Station, 
and again crossed the river, and moved in line of battle to 
within some two miles of Brandy Station. Halted at sunset, and 
bivouacked. At 12 o'clock (midnight) the regiment received 



S34 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

orders to turn out and move at once. Again marched back to 
Rappahannock Station, recrossed the river, and took up a line 
of march via Bealton Station towards Sulphur Springs, where 
our cavalry had been repulsed the day previous by the enemy's 
infantry. Arrived within about two miles of that place at 7 o'clock 
A. M., when the Second Corps was massed b}^ divisions, stacked 
arms, and rested till about noon, when the regiment, together with 
the rest of the corps, moved towards iVarrenton Junction, which 
place was reached about dark, and bivouacked for the night, to 
enable the baggage trains to get well out of the way, that they 
might not interfere with the march of tlie troops. 

October 14, moved at 5 o'clock a. m. for Manassas Junction. 
While passing near Auburn the enemy attacked the Third 
Division of the Second Corps ; still the column pressed on, this 
regiment marching as flankers for the First Brigade, until it 
reached Catlett's Station. Here a halt was made for coffee, and 
the column moved on, the cavahy skirmishing with the enemy in 
the rear. When near Bristow Station the head of the column 
(this regiment being second in line) was attacked by the enemy's 
infantry and artillery', and our line of battle formed, under a sharp 
fire, along the embankment of the railroad. We were hotly engaged 
for about an hour, repulsing the enemy with heavy loss to them, 
and comparatively light to this regiment. Its total loss was one 
officer (Lietenant Charles H. Stevens) mortall}' wounded (who 
has since died), and two enlisted men killed, nine wounded, and 
two missing. Remained in this position until 9 o'clock p. m., 
when the regiment moved on via Manassas Junction, fording Bull 
Run at 3 o'clock a. m. of the 15th. Bivouacked on the north bank 
until daylight, when the regiment moved to the right, to a point 
one mile and a half from Centreville, and formed a line of battle. 
The pickets of the regiment were engaged with those of the enemy 
for the greater portion of the day, and the regiment exposed to 
the fire of their batteries, but no casualties occurred. Towards 
night tents were pitched, and the men directed to make themselves 
as comfortable as possible. 

October 19. The regiment moved at 7 o'clock a. m. via 
Manassas Junction, and halted about 2 p. m., one and a half 
miles north of Bristow Station, and bivouacked at night. 

Marched at 6 a. m., October 20th, towards Gainesville, fording 



APPENDIX. 335 

Broad Run at two different points, and, later in the day. Muddy 
Run and Kettle Run. Reached Auburn at sunset, and bivouacked 
in the woods, near the point where a part of the Second Corps was 
attacked on the 14th. The regiment pitched tents the day follow- 
ing, and remained here till the 23d. Marched at 7 a. m. to within 
two miles of Warrenton, and went into camp along the Warrenton 
Branch Railroad. Here the men commenced building log-houses, 
and in some cases completed them, but were allowed to enjoy 
them but a short time, for on the 7th of November the regiment 
moved at 5 o'clock a. m. via Warrenton Junction and Bealton to 
Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock. Bivouacked at dark, half a 
mile from the river. This was one of the hardest marches, for 
the distance, that the regiment had ever experienced. Many of 
the men had just drawn clothing, which, together with eight da3's' 
rations and rapid marching over a dusty road, told on their strength 
severely, although the distance marched was but about twenty 
miles. 

November 8. Turned out at 5 o'clock a. m., and crossed the 
river on pontoon bridges about sunrise. The Second Division 
advanced in line of battle, by brigade (this regiment being in the 
second line), about one mile, then moved in a westerly direction 
some three miles, halting at intervals, while our skirmishers were 
-advancing slowlj'. At 4 o'clock p. m. pitched tents, and remained 
here until the 10th, when the regiment moved some two and a 
half miles west, and occupied the partially-built barracks of the 
"Stonewall" Brigade of the rebel General Picket's division. 
This camp was known as "Camp near Brandy Station." Re- 
mained here till November 24th. Orders came the night previous 
to march at 5 a. m. The regiment moved at that hour, and soon 
after it commenced raining. When about two miles out it rained 
in torrents, and the troops were ordered back to camp. 

November 20. Marching orders were again received, and the 
regiment moved at 6 o'clock a. m. and proceeded to Germania 
Ford, on the Rapidan river. Crossed on pontoon bridges at 4 
o'clock p. M., and bivouacked two miles from the south bank. 

November 27. Turned out at 5 o'clock a. m., and marched at 
sunrise, making a rapid march to Robertson's Tavern, a dis- 
tance of six miles, where the Second Brigade of our division was 
already skirmishing with the enemy. Almost immediately this 



336 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

regiment was deplo3'ed as skirmishers, joining on the right of the- 
Second Brigade. The regiment exchanged hnt few shots with the 
enemy for some two hours, Avhen ordei's came to advance our line,, 
and in so doing the right and center became briskly engaged — 
the enemj^ at once throwing forward a line of battle which com- 
pelled it to retire to its original position, where, with the help of 
our supports, we held them in check, and finally drove them back.. 
In this skirmish the regiment lost two officers wounded — one 
mortally, and one missing (Lieutenant - Colonel Joslin), taken, 
prisoner ; nine enlisted men were wounded, and six enlisted men 
missing. The regiment was again ordered to advance about sun- 
set, supported by a line of battle, to open the road by which 
General French, of the Third Corps, was expected to arrive, in 
doing which it received two volleys from the enemy, but owing to 
the nature of the ground their shots went harmlessly' over our 
heads, and we gained the desired position, where we remained 
until half-past 9 o'clock p. m., when the regiment was relieved, 
and bivouacked in the second line of battle. 

November 28. A line of battle was formed by divisions, and 
advanced (this regiment in the front line) about one and a quarter 
miles through the woods, when we came up to their fortifications. 
Halted and stacked arms, and remained until the morning of the 
29th (bivouacking by the stacks), when the regiment moved to the 
left, with the rest of the Second Corps, to a point some three miles^ 
below White Oak Church. Halted at 3 o'clock p. m., and. 
bivouacked by the roadside. 

November 30. Turned out at 2 o'clock a. m., and moved out 
in front of the fortifications, which the Second and Third Corps, 
and one division of the Sixth Corps, expected to assault at 8 a. m. 
The enem^', having anticipated the movement, were reinforced to 
such an extent, with both artillery and infantry, that the assault 
was abandoned and the line withdrawn, after dark, about half a 
mile to the rear. 

December 1 . The regiment laid in line of battle most of the 
day, and at 7 p. m. was ordered to relieve another regiment of 
the brigade in the front line, and at 9 o'clock p. m. were with- 
drawn and marched to El3''s Ford, on the Rapidan, which place 
was reached about 8 o'clock on December 2d ; crossed on pon- 
toon bridge ; halted to make coffee at 11 a. m., and moved againu 



APPENDIX. 337 

at 1 P. M., and reached our old camp near Brandy Station at 9 
o'clock p. M., having been twenty-four hours on the march. 

December 5. The regiment moved to a position one mile south 
of Stevensburg, 

December 7. Moved back about one mile north of Stevens- 
burg, camped in the woods, and built winter quarters. 

In the spring of 1864 the Fifteenth was again called into 
active service on the ground alread^^ made memorable by the 
events of the last campaign, being engaged in several of the bat- 
tles between the Rapidan and Richmond. 

July 28, 1864. The regiment was mustered out of the service, 
and those soldiers whose terms of service had not expired were 
transferred to the Twentieth regiment. 

, The following is a list of its engagements during the war : 
Ball's Bluff, Battles of the Peninsula, Antietam, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow's Station, Robertson's Tav- 
ern, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court-house, Cold Harbor, and all 
other battles from the Rajoidan to Petersburg in which the Second 
Army Corps were engaged. 

The casualties to Douglas men belonging to the Fifteenth were 
as follows : Samuel Sible}', wounded severely in the leg at Ball's 
Bluff during the early part of the fight and removed in a flat-boat 
to Harrison Island (which was then occupied by the Union forces, 
and where a temporary hospital had been established) , was soon 
after removed to Poolesville, on the Maryland side, where he died 
November 6. Thomas A. Southwick was also wounded in the 
leg, escaped being captured, was honorably discharged and re- 
turned home. Hiram Ward was wounded in the arm, taken pris- 
oner, and confined at Libby Prison, Richmond, four months, when 
he was exchanged and returned to his regiment. At our request 
he has furnished a brief account of his experiences while in rebel- 
dom. 

After being captured at Ball's Bluff he was maf ched with nearly 
500 other Union prisoners to Manassas Junction. While resting 
from their fatiguing march, a small amount of corn bread and 
bacon was issued, and the bo3"S, not having tasted food since go- 
ing into action on the morning of the 21st, made quick work of 
eating, and were soon ready to go forward. 

The trip to Richmond was made in coal cars, and to add to 

22 



338 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

their other misfortunes it began to rain. Arriving at their destina- 
tion and leaving the cars, they were marched in a procession 
through the principal streets of the city to be inspected by the 
people who turned out in large numbers, crowding the sidewalks 
and temporar}^ stagings which had been hastily erected. 

It soon became evident that the news of their defeat had pre- 
ceded them. General Evans, commander of the rebel forces at 
Ball's Bluff, in his dispatches had grossly- exaggerated the facts by 
stating that he had driven /o?f?* times their number from the soil of 
Virginia, and killed and wounded a larger number than there were 
men engaged in the fight. In consequence of which the people 
wer3 inflated with an inordinate conceit of their own bravery and 
contempt for what they believed to be Yankee cowardice. This 
popular feeling was openly expressed all along the line of march, 
until they reached the place selected for their temporary confine- 
ment, a large building formerh' used as a tobacco warehouse. Here 
they were confined for a short time and then transferred to Libby 
Prison, where for two months thej* were not allowed a change of 
clothing, and for the first three months slept upon the bare floor 
without even straw to lie upon. The fourth month straw was pro- 
A'ided, which greatly increased their comfort. During this time 
our informant witnessed the shooting of several prisoners. One 
moonlight night two men were shot and instantly killed while 
standing side by side near one of the windows. A New York Zou- 
ave also shared a similar fate a few days afterwards. During 
most of this time the prison was so crowded there was scarcely 
room for the men to lie down at night, and deaths were of almost 
daily occurrence. 

After being exchanged, Mr. Ward rejoined his regiment and 
entered upon active service. At the battle of Antietam Sept. 17, 
1862, was badl}' wounded in the right hand ; received an honorable 
discharge Feb. 23, 1863, and returned home. 

Benjamin R. Elliott and William Oakes were also wounded at 
Antietam. Harlan Fairbanks, corporal, acting sergeant, was 
badly wounded in the leg and foot at the battle of Fair Oaks or 
Seven Pines, near Richmond ; was brought home to Douglas, where 
he gradually recovered from his wounds. vS^'lvester Oakes was 
killed b}' a cannon-ball at Fredericksburg. His brother, Charles 
H. Oakes (enlisted from Grafton,) was in the same company and 
was by his side when he fell. 



APPENDIX. 339 

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment Avas from Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth counties, 
■recruited at "Camp Brigham," Readville, and left for Washington 
August 24, 1861. 

It took part in the following engagements : Battles of the 
Peninsula, Second Bull Run, Shepardstown, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Gett^'sburg, Rappahanock Station, Wilderness, 
Spotts^'lvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Weldon Railroad. 
The regiment was mustered out of service Sept. 2, 1864. Those 
soldiers whose term of service had not expired at that date were 
transferred to the Thirtj'-second regiment. 

TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This was known as Senator Wilson's regiment, was organized 
at " Camp Schouler," Lynnfield, and left the State on the 8th of 
October, 1861, for Washington. It was recruited under the direc- 
tion of Hon. Henry Wilson, who was commissioned Colonel. 
Colonel Wilson having resigned Oct. 29, 1861, he was succeeded 
hy Col. Jesse A. Gove, who was killed before Richmond June 27, 
1862. Colonel Gove was succeeded b}^ Col. Charles E. Griswold, 
who subsequently resigned. 

The regiment was engaged in the following battles during the 
war : Battles before Richmond, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chan- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahanock Station, Wilderness, Laurel 
Hill, Spotts3-lvania, Jericho Ford, Little River, Tolpotony, Bethesda 
Church, Shady Grove Church, and Petersburg. 

The regiment was mustered out Oct. 17, 1864, with the excep- 
tion of Company E, which was mustered out Oct. 20, 1864. Those 
men whose terms of service had not expired were transferred to the 
Thirty-second regiment. 

TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was known as the "New England Guards Regi- 
:inent." It was recruited b}- Col. Thomas G. Stephenson at "Camp 
Massasoit," Readville, and left for Annapolis on the 9th of No- 
"vember, 1861. 



340 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was recruited iu Worcester count}', the town of 
Douglas being well represented. 

The regiment left the camp in AVorcester for Annapolis, Mary- 
land, Oct. 31, ISGl, where the}^ joined the Burnside expedition, 
and proceeded to North Carolina. They took part in all the prin- 
cipal engagements in that State, including Roanoke Island and 
Newbern. The other engagements in which the Twent^'-fifth bore 
a part wei-e Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsboro', Port Walthal, 
Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and at other battles- 
before Richmond, and Wise's Forks. 

The casualties to Douglas men in the Twenty-fifth were as fol- 
lows : Lambert B. vSimmons, died at Newbern, N. C, and was. 
the first soldier brought home and buried with military honors. 

Nathaniel C. Putnam died of consumption brought on b}^ expos- 
ure. 

Joseph Albee died of congestive chills at Newbern, N. C, and 
Jerrie E. Luther at the same place of congestion of the brain. 

Thomas M. Magee, wounded in the side by a grape-shot while 
charging the enemy at Roanoke Island ; re-enlisted in the Third 
Rhode Island Cavalry. 

Timoth}' Magary killed in the battle before Petersburg. Allen 
R. Hough, died of typhoid fever. James O. and Nathan S. Bart- 
lett, killed at Cold Harbor. Orlando Carpenter died from wounds 
received at Cold Harbor, and in the same battle George A. Glea- 
son wounded severely ; returned home and gradually recovered. 

Adjutant-General Schouler, in his report for 1865, speaks of 
this regiment as one that has "always and everywhere sustained 
the high character with which it left the State, and has vindicated 
the honor of Massachusetts. Its colors have never been yielded to 
the enemy." 

TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was raised in the western part of the State, and 
was mustered into the service of the United States Sept. 20, 1861. 
The}^ left the State November 2d, same year, and proceeded to 
Annapolis, where they remained in camp until Jan. 6, 1862, 
when they sailed for North Carolina as a part of the Buriiside 
expedition. The regiment took part in the principal engagements 



APPENDIX. 341 

in North Carolina, including the capture of Roanoke Island and 
Newbern, also the battles at Washington, Gum Swamp, Walthal, 
Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and other battles 
before Richmond, and Southwest Creek. The main part of the 
regiment was mustered out at the expiration of their term of ser- 
vice, Sept. 27, 1864, while the balance, composed of re-enlisted 
men and recruits whose terms had not expired, w^ere retained, and 
were finally mustered out June 26, 1865. 

Dr. Franklin L. Hunt, Assistant Surgeon in the Twenty- 
seventh, was killed b}- guerrillas near Little Washington, N. C, 
Nov. 18, 1862, while riding in a carriage outside the picket lines. 
Dr. Hunt was the son of Otis W. Hunt, was a native and for sev- 
eral 3'ears a resident of Douglas, althongh credited on the quota 
of West Boylston. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment, composed mostly of men of Irish birth, left 
'Camp Cameron, Massachusetts, Jan. 11, 1862, and proceeded 
to Fort Columbus, New York Harbor. On the 14th of February 
the}' left for Hilton Head, S. C. The regiment was first engaged 
at Fort Johnson, James Island, S. C. They evacuated James 
Island July 14. On the 3d of August, 1862, the Twenty-eighth 
isailed from Hilton Head, and arrived at Aquia Creek August 6, 
■where they joined the army of the Potomac. 

They afterwards took part in the following-named engagements : 
Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Freder- 
icksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe's Station, Mine 
Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, Tolopoton}', Cold Har- 
I)or, Petersburg, Strawbeny Plains, Deep Bottom, Reams' Station, 
Petersburg, and South Side Railroad. 

The five who enlisted from Douglas in the Twenty-eighth were 
members of the Douglas Band, and enlisted as musicians in the 
Regimental Band, twenty-four pieces, Samuel Cary, Leader. 

THIRTIETH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was mustered into the service Jan. 4, 1862, and 
left the State Jan. 13, 1862. It was engaged in the following-named 
laattles : Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Plains Store, Port Hudson, 
Donaldsonville, Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Fisher's Hill. 



342 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

This was the last Massachusetts regiment to return from the 
seat of war. 

THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was mustered into the service of the United 
States Aug. 13, 1862, and was mustered out June 11, 1865. 

It took part in the following-named battles : Fredericksburg, 
Chancellors ville, Beverly Ford, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, 
Missionary Ridge, and the battles of Sherman's campaign. 

THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was mustered into the service Aug. 30, 1862, 
and mustered out June 8, 1865. 

Its battles were as follows : Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jack- 
son, Blue Springs, Campbell Station, Siege of Knoxville, Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Pop^ 
lar Spring Church, and Hatcher's Run. 

The following were the casualties to Douglas men : Leonard 
A. Chapman, instantly killed at the battle before Petersburg July 
9, 1864. In a battle at the same place Oct. 2d, 1861, Daniel A. 
Burton was severely wounded by a shell and died of his injuries. 
In the same battle Matthew Hudson was instantl3' killed by the 
bursting of a shell, which also killed three others and wounded 
William Mowry, another Douglas man. A piece of this same shell 
struck another man in such a manner as to strip off his coat, tear- 
ing it in shreds,' but leaving him uninjured. 

FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment, commanded by Col. A. B. R. Sprague, was 
recruited at " Camp Wool," Worcester. 

The regiment embarked at Boston on the afternoon of Nov. 25, 
1862, on board United States transport steamer Merrimac, with 
orders to report to Major-General Foster at Newbern, N. C. 
Went to sea the evening of embarcation, and after a rough 
voyage arrived at Beaufort, N. C, on the afternoon of Sundaj^, 
November 30, and thence by rail to Newbern, and went into quar- 
ters in the unfinished barracks on the south side of the Trent river. 
Upon arrival Avere assigned to the brigade commanded by Col. T. 



APPENDIX. 343 

J. C. Amor}'. Commenced the issue of arms and the instruction 
of the men in tlneir use on the 5th of December. 

lu obedience to Department General Order No. 77, and Bri- 
gade General Order No. 31, the regiment took its place in line at 
daj'light on the morning of December 11, and formed a part of the 
column in what is known as the expedition to Goldsboro'. For a 
detailed report of the duties performed during that ten days* 
march reference may be had to the official report of the com- 
manding officer, as published in the report of the Adjutant-General 
of Massachusetts for the 3'ear 1862. 

The first death in the regiment occurred on the 1 1th of January, 
of the disease known in medical works as " Cerebro Spinal Menin- 
gitis." This singularly fatal malad}' during the two months fol- 
lowing consigned to tlie grave about twenty from among the 
hardiest and best soldiers. 

In conformity to Department General Order No. 18, of Jan. 
15, 1863, the names " Kinston," " Whitehall " and " Goldsboro' " 
were inscribed on the colors of the regiment. 



0^ 



Headquakters Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment, > 
Foster Barracks, Jan. 21, 18C3. ) 

Lieutenant E. T. Parkinson, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fi7-si 
Brigade, Department of North Carolina. 
On the 17th inst., in conformity to Special Brigade Order No. 14, 
joining a portion of the Fiist Brigade, and a detachment of artillery 
and the Third New Yoik Cavalry, I marched with seven companies of 
my command (Companies F, E and G being on detached service) by 
Brice's Creek, and the south side of the Trent river, to Pollockville, about 
thirteen miles distant. Arrived at .5 p. m., and went into bivouac for the 
night. On the morning of the 18th two companies, under the command 
of Major Harkness, marched With the main column towards Trenton, 
while I was ordered with the five remaining companies and a detachment 
of cavalry to guard the approaches, and hold Pollockville till the return 
of the main force. This was successfully accomplished, and upon the 
return of the main body at noon of the 19th inst. I received instructions 
to move five companies to Young's Cross-roads, and hold that point till 
the arrival of the main column. Without a guide we passed the spot 
known as Young's Cross-roads (about seven miles from Pollockville), 
and coming suddenly upon White Oak creek my advance guard received 
the fire of the enemy's outposts on the other side of the river, the bridge 
having been destroyed and a breastwork of logs formed for their i)rotec- 
tion. The advance, under the direct command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Studley, returned tlie fire, and the enemy retired. In obedience to in- 



344 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

structions we bivouacked at the Cross-roads, and at evening were joined 
by the Third New York Cavalry. Soon after daylight, 20th inst., crossed 
White Oak river with a detachment, and established an outpost on the 
Jacksonville road, to guard the approaches while the bridge over the 
creek was being rebuilt. The main force, under Colonel Amory, arrived, 
and a portion of the cavalry pressed forward to a point near Jacksonville, 
and reported the enemy in force at that place. The object of the expe- 
dition accomplished, we left "Smith's Mill" on the morning of the 21st, 
passing through PoUockville, and arrived at Newbern in the evening. 
A heavy rain during the preceding night made muddy roads and over- 
flowing streams. William P. Kent, of Company I, who marched in appar- 
ent good health, was taken suddenly ill, and died in an ambulance outhe 
route. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. B. R. SPRAGUE, 
Colonel Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment. 

On the 20tli of February, the regiment suffering severely from 
a steadily increasing sick-list and frequent deaths, six companies 
were moved from the barracks to Deep Gully, an outpost eight 
miles out on the Trent road, as a sanitarj^ measure. The weather 
being unfavorable, and the shelter tents proving quite insufficient 
for the comfort of men suffering from malaria, the regiment returned 
to barracks February 27th. 

In conformit}^ to Special Order No. 46, " that Colonel Sprague, 
commanding Fiftj^-first Massachusetts, with his regiment, relieve 
the companies stationed at different points along the railroad 
between Newbern and Morehead Cit}', also those at Morehead 
City, Beaufort and Evans' Mills," on the 2d and 3d of March 
the regiment was distributed as follows : — 

Company G, Captain T. D. Kimlmll, remaining at Brice's 

Ferr}'. Compan}- K, Captain D. W. Kimball, Evans' Mills. 

Companies D, Captain Proutj' ; H, Captain Hobbs ; B, Captain 

Bascora ; and I, Captain Tha3'er, Newport — Lieutenant-Colonel 

Studley. Companies A, Captain Wood, and C, Captain Goodell, 

Morehead City. Companies E, Captain Wheeler, and F, Captain 

Baldwin, Beaufort ; headquarters at Beaufort. Major E. A. 

Harkness was designated as Provost-Marshal of Beaufort and 

Morehead City. 

Headquarters Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment, 

Beaufort, N. C, May 11, 1863. 
Coloxel: In obedience to instructions from Department Headquar- 
ters I left Newport Barracks on the morning of the 7th instant, with 



APPENDIX. 345 

■Companies B, C, D, H and I of my regiment, a section of Lee's Battery, 
Lieutenant Cady, and Captain Moshelle's company Third New York Cav- 
alry. Passing tlirougli tlie " pecosin " around the head of Big Broad 
Creek, we arrived at Cedar Point, opposite Swansboro', some eighteen 
miles from Newport, about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the 7th. The 
steamer Wilson did not make her appearance at the mouth of White Oak 
river as arranged, and, as no other transportation could be procured to 
cross thei-iver, about one and one-half miles wide at this place, the troops 
encamped in the woods at Cedar Point. 

On tlie morning of the 8th, the Wilson not having arrived, I accom- 
panied Captain Moshelle's company of cavalry on a reconnoisance up the 
■east side of White Oak river, to a point called Dorton's Ferry (about 
sixteen miles from Cedar Point by road), about six miles from Smith's 
Mills or Young's. We returned to Cedar Point, reaching camp soon after 
•dark. 

On the morning of the 9th communicated with Lieutenant-Colonel 
■Lewis, who had reached Swansboro', coming down the other side of the 
river with a detachment of Third New York Cavalry. 

At 6 o'clock A. M., 10th instant, left Cedar Point and returned to 
Newport barracks. I saw nothing of the enemy during our advance and 
absence, and am convinced that they do not cross White Oak river in 
force, and that Swansboro' has only been occupied by some fifteen or 
twenty of the enemy as an outpost. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. B. E. SPRAGUE, 

Colonel Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment. 
Lieutenant-Colonel S. Hoffman, Assistant Adjutant-General, Eighteenth 
Army Corps. 

March 25th Lieutenant Sanderson and twentj'-two men were 
ordered to man the gunboat Hussar, Ijing in Beaufort Harbor, 
and were instructed in naval gunner}'. 

By Special Order No. 93, from Department Headquarters, 
■dated March 30th, in addition to his other duties, Colonel Sprague 
assumed command of the post of Fort Macon, and Companj' C, 
'Captain Goodell, was added to the garrison, one company of the 
Forty-fifth Massachusetts being relieved. On the 4th of May the 
regiment returned to Newbern, greatly improved in health, and 
Teoccupied their old quarters in Foster barracks on the Trent. 
The regiment left the barracks on the 22d of May, and selecting a 
spot near the junction of the Trent and Neuse, it was designated 
■Camp Wellington. 

Some misapprehensions having arisen concerning the time of 
the expiration of the term of ser^'ice of the nine months' men, the 



346 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

commissary of musters for the Eighteenth Corps issued a circular^ 
and after stating the rule adopted by the government concludes- 
as follows : "Its fairness and liberality can hardl}' be questioned 
by any, save those whose patriotism is of so weak a nature as to 
begrudge to their country a short period additional to their speci- 
fied nine months. In order, however, that no possible ground of 
complaint ma}- exist, the General commanding authorizes me to 
state that any company in this department will, on application of 
its captain, approved b}' the Colonel commanding the regiment, 
be furnished with transportation, and allowed to proceed home in 
time to reach it in nine months from the time of its muster into- 
service." 

This circular was read to the regiment at the evening parade 
of the Wth of June, together with the following : — 

Headquarters Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment, ) 
Caaip Wei-lington, Newbern, N. C, June 10, 1863. j 

I have caused to be read to the whole command a circular which was- 
drawn out by dissatisfaction with the direction of the War Department, 
in regard to the time of mustering out the nine montlis' men. 

Without entering upon an argument in regard to the justice or equity 
of this decision of the War Department, I rely upon the good judgment, 
the patriotism and intelHgence of the ofiicers and soldiers of this regi- 
ment who entered the service, and have stood together unflinchingly in 
the line of duty, to take no action which will compromise them in the 
eyes of the country and their friends. Rather let us be overzealous in 
the service than be relieved one moment too soon by our own action. 

A. B. R. SPRAGUE, 

Colonel Fifty-first Massachusetts. 

No company- of the regiment signified a desire to avail them- 
selves of the offer in the foregoing circular. 

It being understood tliat w-hile the rebel army under Lee was 
pressing northward into Maryland and Pennsylvania General Dix 
would move upon Richmond b}- way of White House, on the 
Pamunk}', this regiment, together with others, was offered to Gen- 
eral Dix, and on the 24th of June received orders from Major- 
General Foster to report at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, and with 
the exception of one hundred and eighty-three sick men, who 
remained behind, on the afternoon of that day embarked on 
steamer Thomas Collyer and schooner A. P. Plowe. Arrived at 



APPENDIX. 347 

Fortress Monroe on the morning of the 27th, the commanding 
officer reported to the senior officer at that post, who directed the 
regiment to proceed to Cumberland, Virginia, on the Pamunky. 
Leaving the sick and all surplus baggage at the fortress, all 
embarked on the CoUyer and proceeded up the York river. While 
en route received orders to proceed to White House, and arrived 
about midnight. 

Earh- on the morning of the 28th reported to General Dix, 
whose whole force was in camp at White House. Upon learning 
that the regiment was in light marching order, without camp 
equipage, and the term of service of the regiment having nearly 
expired. General Dix ordered that the regiment return to Fortress 
Monroe, and there make requisition upon the quartermaster for 
transportation to Massachusetts, to be mustered out of service. 

Arrived back at Fortress Monroe evening of the 28th, and while 
awaiting transportation learning the critical condition of affairs in 
Pennsylvania and Maryland, the colonel commanding authorized 
General Naglee to offer the service of the regiment for the emer- 
genc}', and after communicating with Washington by telegraph 
they were accepted, and orders received from Genei'al Halleck for 
the regiment to report to General Schenek at Baltimore, who was 
in command of the Middle Department. Arrived in Baltimore on 
the 1st of July, and were ordered to occupj' Belger barracks, near 
the line of defenses of Baltimore, in process of construction, where 
they remained till the 6th of Jul}-. Sunday, 5th Juh', six companies, 
under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Studle^', were detailed to 
escort two thousand three hundred rebel prisoners, taken at Gett3'S- 
burg, from the railroad station to Fort McHenr}'. 

On the 4th of Jul}' the regiment received the honor of being 
detailed to search the houses of the citizens of Baltimore for arms, 
in conjunction with the city police, and successfully and creditably 
performed this delicate duty. Thousands of arms of various kinds 
were seized, and deposited at the office of the city marshal. 

In obedience to orders, at 6 o'clock on the morning of the 
6th instant, the regiment in light marching order reported to Brig- 
adier-General Briggs, to whose brigade it had temporaril}^ been 
assigned, at the depot of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with 
three days' rations and sixty rounds of cartridges. Proceeded as 
far as Monocacy Junction, where the regiment remained in the 



348 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

■cars till the morning of the 7th. Late in the afternoon of this day 
arrived at Sandy Hook, Maryland, from whence the rebels had 
just fled, but still held Harper's Ferry and the opposite bank of 
the Potomac. About 9 o'clock p. m. were ordered to proceed 
to Maryland Heights. The rain was steadily falling, and the night 
was dark. The Eighth, Fort^'-sixth and Fifty-first Massachusetts 
regiments, with a Pennsylvania battery, all under command of 
Colonel Sprague, of the Fifty-tirst, commenced the ascent. After 
hours of delay and weary marching the column arrived at Fort 
Duncan, on the heights, about 4 o'clock, morning of the 8th. 

The regiment here remained doing outpost duty on the Potomac 
and on the Sharpsburg road till the 12th of July, when orders 
were received ' ' to procure three days ' rations and proceed to 
Boonsboro', Maryland, to join the army of the Potomac," which 
was in that vicinity endeavoring to intercept the retreat of the rebel 
'General Lee. 

The brigade of General Briggs, consisting of the Eighth, Thirty- 
ninth, Forty-sixth and Fifty-first Massachusetts regiments, left 
Marj-land Heights by Sharpsburg road at 9 o'clock p. m. Sun- 
day, Jul}^ 12th, marching all night. Arrived at the front about 
3 o'clock on the afternoon of the 13th, having marched about 
twenty-seven miles. 

Surcharged with malaria contracted in the swamps of North 
Carolina, without camp equipage, kettles, or a change of clothing 
in wet weather, the men were poorly prepared to endure the fatigue, 
and large numbers became sick, and were sent back to Baltimore 
from Sandy Hook and Maryland Heights, so that when it arrived 
at the front there was present for duty an aggregate of only two 
hundred and seventj'-five men. The brigade was immediately 
assigned to the Second Division, First Corps, of the Army of the 
Potomac, and second line of battle. 

The enemj' disappeared from our front during the night, and 
•on the morning of the 14th the army was in motion in pursuit of 
the retiring reliels. The Fiftj^-first marched with the main body, 
and proceeded to Williamsport, where it was evident the enemy 
had effected a crossing. 

Encamped at Williamsport, and 15th instant marched back 
through Funkstown and Antietam to a point near Berlin, Maryland, 
where a pontoon across the Potomac had been thrown for the passage 
of our troops into Virginia. 



APPENDIX. 349 

The enemj' having disappeared from our front, recrossed the 
Potomac, and in full retreat, the regiment received orders from Corps 
Headquarters, on the 17th of July, to return to Massachusetts, to 
be mustered out of the service of the United States. Reached Balti- 
more on the morning of the 18th, and arrived at Worcester, Massa- 
chusetts, on the 21st da}^ of July. 

A furlough was granted to the men until the 27th instant, when 
they were mustered out of service by Captain Lawrence of the Fourth 
Infantry, U. S. A., having served nearly ten months. 

The sick left at Newbern at the departure of the regiment under 
charge of Assistant-Surgeon Garvin arrived home before the regi- 
ment, and were mustered out with the rest at Worcester, Massa- 
chusetts. 

Company I of this regiment was composed largely of men from 
Douglas and the neighboring town of Upton. Its officers were 
William Hunt, captain ; Harrison F. Bradish, of Upton, first lieu- 
tenant ; Lucius M. Thayer second lieutenant, and Ezekiel Pack- 
ard first sergeant. 

Upon the resignation of Captain Hunt Feb. 7, 18G3, Lucius 
M. Thaj'er was promoted captain, and Ezekiel Packard second 
lieutenant. May 23, 1863, Lieutenant Bradish resigned and 
Ezekiel Packard succeeded him as first lieutenant ; Charles W. 
Moore was commissioned second lieutenant. 

The casualties to Douglas men were as follows : Marcus M. 
Mitchell (a Douglas man, enlisted in Milford,) died at Newbern, 
N. C, Jan. 28, 1863. Francis L. Moore also died in hospital at 
Newbern, and John N. Gaskell killed near Spottsylvania Court- 
house, Va. Philetus BuflTum was honorably discharged at the ex- 
piration of his term of service ; died July 3, 1867, and was buried 
in the East Douglas cemetery. The name of Dr. .J. Homer Dar- 
ling, assistant surgeon of the Fift3^-first regiment, was omitted from 
the list on page 117. He was enlisted at Douglas and returned 
home, at the expiration of his term of service, July 27, 1863. 

FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment left the State April 18, 1864, and was mustered 
out July 30, 1865. During its term of service it took part in 
the following-named engagements : Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 



'350 HISTOEY OF DOUGLAS. 

North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar 
Spring Church, and Hatcher's Run. 

Of the five who enlisted in the Fifty-seventh from the town of 
Douglas but one returned. Henry Glover was killed at Cold 
Harbor, John N. Gaskell at Spottsylvania, David B. Curtis and 
Abner A. Lealand in the battle before Petersburg. Lewis Moun- 
tain was mustered out at the expiration of his term of service, 
July 30, 1865. 

FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

The organization of eight companies of this regiment was 
completed April 25, 186.4, and they left the State April 28. The 
remaining two companies were afterwards recruited and sent 
forward to join the regiment. It took part in the engagements 
at the Wilderness, Spotts3ivania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, Fort 
Sedgwick, and Fort Mahone, and was mustered out July 14, 1865. 

FIRST REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. 

This regiment was mustered into the United States service 
Nov. 1, 1861. The First Battalion left the State Dec. 25, the 
Second Dec. 27, and the Third Dec. 29, 1861. The Third Bat- 
talion was detached from the regiment Aug. 4, 1863, and subse- 
quentl}' became a part of the Fourth Regiment of Cavaliy, and a 
new battalion was recruited to fill its place. The following are 
the battles this regiment were engaged in : Poolsville, South 
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Brand^^ Sta- 
tion, Aldie, Upperville, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Culpepper, 
Auburn, Todd's Tavern, fortifications of Richmond, Vaughn 
Road, St. Mary's Church, Cold Harbor, and Bellefield. 

THIRD REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. 

This regiment was recruited and originally went into the service 
as the Forty-first regiment of infantiy. It was mustered into the 
service Nov. 1, 1862, and left the State November 15. 

In June, 1863, the regiment was changed to a cavalry organiza- 
tion, and the first, second and third unattached companies of cav- 
alry were consolidated with them, and became a part of the organ- 
ization. It was mustered out Sept. 28, 1865. 



APPENDIX. 351 

It was in the following battles : Irish Bend, Henderson Hill, 
Cane River, Port Hudson, Sabine Cross-roads, Muddy liaj'ou, 
Piney Woods, Red River campaign, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Snag 
Point, Winchester, and Cedar Creek. 

FOURTH KEGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. 

This regiment was composed of the Independent Battalion, for- 
merly Third Battalion, First Regiment of Cavahy, and two new 
battalions recruited in Massachusetts. At the time the regiment 
was organized the First Battalion, Major Stephens, was stationed at 
^outh Carolina. The Second Battalion left the State March 20, 
1864, and the Third April 23, 1864. It took part in the battles of 
Gainesville, Florida, Drury's Bluff, and in several of the engage- 
jnents before Petersburg and Richmond. 

In the desperate engagement at High Bridge on Thursday', the 6th 

of April, 1865, this regiment, undercommand ofthe brave andgallant 

Frank Washburn of Worcester, bore anhouorable part, their bravery 

and daring challensino; the admiration of both armies. While en- 

deavoring to hold the High Bridge, over which it was feared Lee's 

army might escape, they were surrounded and overpowered by 

two divisions of Lee's cavalry. After having made two charges 

through the rebel lines the Colonel might at either of these times 

have passed on with his cavahy and escaped, but refusing to leave 

the infantr}' while there remained the slightest chance of rescuing 

them, and although the odds were eight men to one, he made his 

third charge, and in this, while crossing sabres with a rebel officer 

whom he had nearly disarmed, he was shot through the head by 

another, and after he had fallen received a sabre cut upon the skull 

which completely disabled him. He was two days a prisoner, 

during which time, notwithstanding the gallantry he had displayed, 

they did nothing for his wounds, and relieved him of his horse, 

his sword and his money. Upon being released he was brought 

home, and died the day following his arrival at Worcester, at the 

house of his brother, Mr. J. D. Washburn. 

The following testimonial from a rebel Colonel, Inspector-Gen- 
eral on General Lee's staff, corroborates what has been said of the 
Fourth and its brave commander. In speaking of the battle of 
High Bridge, he says: "So fierce were the charges of Colonel 



352 HISTORY OP DOUGLAS. 

Washburn and his men, and so determined their fighting, that 
General Lee received the impression that they must be supported 
by a large part of the army, and that his retreat was cut off." 

General Grant, as soon as the intelligence of the death of Col- 
onel Washburn was received, paused amidst his vast labors to^ 
write with his own hands a letter to the family of the deceased, 
expressing his sympathy in their loss, and admiration for his gal- 
lant and heroic conduct. 



FIRST MASSACHUSETTS HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

This regiment was organized as the Fourteenth Regiment In- 
fantry, and was mustered into the service Julj- 5, 1861. The or- 
ganization was changed to a heavy artillery regiment Jan. 1, 1862. 
The three men who enlisted in this regiment on the Douglas quota 
were not from this town. 

SECOND REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

The companies composing this regiment were mustered into- 
service at different dates. Four companies left the State Nov. 4, 
1863. Two companies left Nov. 6, 1863, and the balance (six 
companies) left Jan. 8, 1864. 

The regiment was stationed in North Carolina and Virginia 
during its full term of service. Companies G and H were cap- 
tured in April, 1864, at Plymouth. They were then 275 strong.. 
In the spring of 1865 the remnant of them rejoined the regiment, 
thirty-five in number, a sad commentary on the starving sj^stem 
of Andersonville. The principal part of the regiment were in few 
battles, but were detailed to garrison forts and to do skirmish duty. 
Companies B, C, F, I and M participated with honor in the battle 
of Kingston. 

SIXTEENTH (uNATTACHED) COMPANY HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

The Third Regiment Massachusetts Heavy Artillery' was com- 
posed of the Third, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Elev- 
enth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth 
(unattached) companies of heavy artillery, and with the exception 



APPENDIX. 353 

of one companj-, which was on detached duty, was employed in the 
coast defenses of the State and at Washington, D. C. 

FIRST REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS. 

This three months' regiment left Providence for the seat of war 
in two detachments — the first on the •20th of April, under com- 
mand of Col. A. E. Burnside, and the second April 24th, under 
Lieut. Col. Joseph S. Pitman. The regiment was accompanied 
throughout the campaign by the Providence American Brass Band. 
It took part in the battle of Bull Pun with honor to itself, and re- 
turned to Providence July 28th, 1861, its time of service having 
expired. 

SECOND REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 

• 

was recruited at " Camp Burnside," on the Dexter Training 
Ground in Providence. Major John S. Slocum of the First Eegi- 
ment was appointed Colonel. While making preparation to leave 
for Washington the regiment received many tokens of interest 
and regard from friends. The firm of A. & W. Sprague presented 
them with one thousand rubber blankets. The citizens of Lons- 
dale made a generous donation to the hospital department, and 
man}' of the officers received for themselves and for their compa- 
nies several expressions of interest and good-will in the form of 
useful articles designed for their comfort and convenience. The 
regiment was also presented with an elegant stand of colors by 
the ladies of Providence, through Col. Jabez C. Knight, Pay- 
master-General. 

June 19, the regiment embarked on board the steamer "State 
of Maine" for AVashington, and entered upon active service. 

During the war the Second took part in the following engage- 
ments : Bull Eun, Williamsburg, White House, Mechanicsville, 
Seven Pines, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Chancellorsville. 
At the battle of Bull Run the regiment suffered severely. Its 
loss was twenty-eight killed, fifty-six wounded, and thirty missing. 
It was in this disastrous battle that Colonel Slocum, Major Ballou, 
Captain Tower, and Captain Smith were killed. The colors of 
the regiment were completely riddled by balls, but the standard- 
bearer. Sergeant John M. Durfee, stood b}- them and brought 
them from the field. 

23 



354 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

It was a remarkable fact in the history' of this regiment that 
from the first battle of Bull Run to that of Chancellorsville it met 
the same rebel regiments in the field and on picket. So familiar 
were the relations established between the men on both sides that 
on the appearance of the Second Rhode Island at their post the 
rebel pickets would leave their rifle-pits, stack arms and enter into 
friendh' conversation, often inquiring with apparent interest for 
members of the regiment who were absent. Throughout their 
term of service the regiment bore a uniform character for bravery 
and eflSciency. 

FOURTH REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment left "Camp Greene," in Providence, for Wash- 
ington Oct. 2, 1861. Like the regiments preceding it, the mem- 
bers of the Fourth were made the recipients of many useful gifts, 
including a stand of colors presented by the ladies of Provi- 
dence. 

This regiment was identified with the army of North Carolina, 
under General Burnside, and took part in the battles of Roanoke 
Island, Newbern, and Fort Macon, after which they joined 
McClellan's forces, and were engaged in the battles of South Moun- 
tain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and two skirmishes on the Nanse- 
mond river, and two at Suflfolk. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 

was organized May 22, 1862, at " Camp Bliss," South Providence, 
and left for Washington September 10, under command of Col. 
Zenas R. Bliss. Joining the anny of the Potomac in November, 
it took part in the battle of Fredericksburg ; was afterwards as- 
signed to the Department of the Ohio, where they did valuable 
skirmish service, in which several of its officers and soldiers were 
killed. Its losses during the campaign were thirt3'-five b}- death. 

FIRST REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND CAVALRT 

was organized as the First New England Cavalry, in the autumn 
of 1861, and passed the winter in camp at Pawtucket, R. I. On 
the 12th of March, 1862, a battalion under Major Sanford left the 
State for Washington, and in a few days the rest of the regiment 
followed. Uniting there, the regiment proceeded to "Camp 



APPENDIX. 355 

Mud," Warrenton Junction. Shortly after a battalion of one 
hundred men from this regiment was sent forward to Port Royal 
to save brid2;es and do any other necessary work. They entered 
Port Ro^-al just as the enemy was setting fire to the bridge from 
the opposite side. Putting spurs to their horses, the cayalry dashed 
across the bridge and upon the enem}- with irresistible force, cap- 
turing one hundred and seventeen prisoners, and rescuing twent}' 
men and two oflieers of the First Vermont Cavahy, who were being 
held as prisoners b}' the rebels. The loss in this brief but decisive 
action was seven killed and seven wounded, including Capt. Wil- 
liam P. Ainsworth, a brave and dashing officer, who was highly 
esteemed by his men. 

The other battles in which the First was engaged were : Cedar 
Mountain, Groveton, Bull Run, Chantill}-, Leesburg, Beverly 
Ford, Kell3''s Ford, Middleburg, and Deep Bottom. It also took 
part in General Sheridan's last raid, which forced Lee's surrender 
at Appomattox Court-house. 

Sylvester Chase, a musician in the First, from this town, relates 
that he saw the last rebel cannon fired at Generals Sheridan and 
Wright and their bodj^-guards and staffs. 

The casualties to Douglas men were as follows : George Snow, 
severely wounded in the leg at Kelly's Ford March 17, 1863, 
afterwards discharged and re-enlisted. In a severe engagement 
at Middelburg, Va., June 17, 1863, Lieut. Simeon Brown was 
wounded ; Charles E. Gould, M. Leach, and Albert A. Greene 
were captured by the enem}', and William L3'on not accounted 
for, supposed to have been captured. Alfred P. Palmer, wounded 
and missing at the battle of Middleburg, paroled and enlisted as 
veteran volunteer. Isaac King, Quartermaster-Sergeant, was 
seriously' injured by a fall from his horse while practicing a 
cavalry charge. Mr. King was active in securing the enlistment 
of Douglas men in his regiment, but through an unintentional 
oversight his name was omitted from the list on page 118, as also 
the names of Joseph and Josiah Hough and Alfred Snow, who 
were enlisted at the same time. 

SECOND REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY 

was a three years' regiment. It was enlisted in Providence, and 
was ordered to join the forces of General Banks at New Orleans, 



S56 HISTORY OF" DOITGLAS. 

arriving in season to take part in the first advance on Port Hud- 
son, March 14, 1863. It was also a part of the force engaged in 
the Teche expedition, taking an active part in the engagements at 
Bisland and FrankUn. The expedition proceeded to Alexandria, 
La., and then to Port Hudson, where it was actively emploj'ed in 
scouting and foraging. On the 20th of June it was sent with 
other regiments to protect a forage train between Clinton and 
Jackson, La. The}' were attacked by a large force, composed of 
infantry, cavalry and artiller}'. Colonel Corliss of the Second 
was in advance, and held the enemy in check while he sent three 
times for the artillery to come up. He then went and brought it 
up himself, and used it with such effect as to result in killing one 
and wounding seven. Four prisoners were also captured. 

At Springfield Landing the regiment lost one man killed, four 
wounded, and thirteen prisoners taken. 

At Brashear City the rebels captured Major Anthony of the 
Second, and twenty of his men. The regiment became reduced 
in numbers by hardm arches and skirmishes, so that in July, 1863, 
it was consolidated into one battalionof four companies, and united 
with the First Louisiana Cavalry. The officers retained were Cap- 
tains WilUam J. McCall, Henry C. Fitts, George W. Beach, E. A. 
Hardy ; First Lieutenants J. N. Whitney, Charles W. Turner, 
John D. Hanning, Walter M. Jackson, and Second Lieutenant 
Frank Hays. 

This battalion was afterwards united with the Third Rhode 
Island Cavalry at New Orleans, the names of its members from 
this town appearing in the Third Rhode Island Cavalry list, page 
118. Nearly all the Douglas men in this regiment were enlisted 
by Captain Henry C. Fitts, who was also a resident of Douglas. 

Captain Fitts was a thorough soldier, early evincing a fondness 
for military pursuits, entering the service when quite young. After 
one term of service as a musician he was commissioned a Captain 
in the Second Rhode Island Cavalry, remaining in that position 
until his death, which occurred Dec. 19, 1864, at Donaldsonville, 
La. Through all the excitement and danger incident to the cavalry 
service, he showed his efficiency as a commander, was ever ready 
to lead and prompt to act, yet cared for the interests of his men, 
and never exposed them to needless danger. He had, to a re- 



APPENDIX. 357 

markable degree, the respect and good wishes of both officers and 
men. His fine social qualities and generous nature made him 
exceedingly popular with all who knew him, and his unexpected 
decease, after a brief illness, carried sadness to many hearts. No 
officer in the regiment could have been more sincerel}- mourned or 
more affectionatel}- remembered. 

The following were the casualties to Douglas men : Joseph 
Hough, captured while bearing dispatches, afterwards paroled 
and returned home. Daniel E. Gould, captured while on a scout- 
ing expedition, and died from exposure. David L. Thomas was 
captured while on a skirmishing expedition ; after five months 
in rebel prisons was exchanged and returned home. His name 
should appear in the list on page 118. William H. Wilcox, Thomas 
Magee, and Eugene H. Gould served until the expiration of their 
term of enlistments, were discharged, and while returning home 
were lost on the steamer "North America," which was wrecked 
off the coast of Cape Hatteras, and all on board perished. 

THIRD REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY 

was recruited at Providence. Enlistments commenced as early as 
July, 1863. A camp was first established at Mashapaug, but in 
August the recruits were transferred to "Camp Meade," on 
Conanicut Island. On the 24th of December 376 men had been 
enlisted. In the latter part of December embarked for New Or- 
leans to join the forces of General Banks. 

SEVENTH SQUADRON RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY 

was composed of 165 men, enlisted for three months' service in 
the early part of the war. It was composed of a companj^ re- 
cruited from Dartmouth College and Norwich University, and one 
company enlisted in Providence and left the State June 28, 1862. 
Its principal sei'vice was reconnoitering and scout duty in the 
vicinity of Winchester and Harper's Feny. It was mustered out 
of the service Sept. 28, 1862, at Providence. 

The names of George Packard and Charles A. Phillips should 
appear in the list of Seventh Rhode Island Cavalrymen from Doug- 
las, page 118. 



358 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS. 

THIRD REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

Four Douglas men served in this regiment, enlisting in Septem- 
ber, 1861. The last three in the list — Cyrus, George and James 
Jepherson — were brothers. George Jepherson died at McDougal 
Hospital in New York, and Corporal Peter Balcome was wounded 
at the battle of James Island June 16, 1862. 

THIRTEENTH, EIGHTEENTH, AND TWENTY-SIXTH CONNECTICUT VOL- 
UNTEERS. 

Newell J. Lee was a Sergeant in the Thirteenth Connecticut, 
enlisting from the town of Putnam. He served four years, pro- 
cured an honorable discharge, and returned home ; afterwards died 
at the residence of Mr. Andrew Wallis, in East Douglas, and was 
buried in Evergreen Cemeteiy. 

Walter Ward enlisted from Thompson, Conn., in the Eighteenth 
Regiment Connecticut Volunteers ; at the expiration of his term 
of service was honorably discharged, returned home, and is still 
living. 

Myron Starrett, son of Mrs. Adaline Starrett, enlisted in the 
Twent3'-sixth Connecticut regiment from the city of Norwich. On 
the first day's battle at Port Hudson, Ma}" 27, 1863, he was re- 
ported missing, and nothing further was learned b}' his friends 
regarding his fate until the return of his regiment at the close of 
the war. The Captain of his company and the Colonel of the 
regiment both witnessed his braveiy during the action, and made 
the following statement, which establishes beyond doubt the fact 
of his death at that time : Before going into the fight a call was 
made for volunteer sharp-shooters, and MjTon Starrett was of the 
number who responded, and at the close of the unsuccessful charge 
on the enemy's works was the only man in the regiment not ac- 
counted for. 

Upon the surrender of Port Hudson, a few da3's after, it was 
ascertained from rebel officers that on the evening of the 27th, 
after the engagement was ended, they took several wounded men 
into the fort, and among the number was one of the Twenty-sixth 
Connecticut men, who was wounded above the hip, died before 
morning, and was buried inside the fort. 



APPENDIX. 359 

ENGINEER, SIGNAL AND VETERAN RESERVE CORPS. 

The men whose names are recorded in these branches of the 
service were nearl}' all non-residents, who enlisted upon the quota 
of Douglas. 

UNITED STATES NAVY, ETC. 

James Wilson, the first man to enlist in the United States Navy 
on the quota of Douglas, was mustered into the service June 19, 
1864, Edgar P. Barton Jul}' 16, 1864, and John Norton Sept. 2, 
1864. James L. Mannahan, a native of Douglas, also enlisted in 
the navy, but was not credited on the Douglas quota. 

Henry Hutchins served in the Fifth Maine regiment, afterwards 
in the Fourteenth Maine. 

Charles A. Andrews, Sergeant in the Eleventh Massachusetts 
Volunteers, was a resident of Douglas, although credited to the 
city of Boston. 

Capt. George H. Amidon, of the Fourth Vermont Volunteers, 
was a son of William B. Amidon of Douglas. 

Captain Amidon was a promising young officer, a true patriot 
and brave soldier. At the battle of the Wilderness, while leading 
his men, he was severely wounded in the thigh, and was obliged to 
return home. On partially recovering he returned to his regiment, 
and at Cedar Creek, Oct. 17, 1864, was again severely' wounded in 
the thigh, and died. His sufferings, although very great, were borne 
with remarkable firmness and fortitude. It was pureh* for the love 
of his countiy that he had enlisted in its service, and his life was 
oflfered a willing sacrifice in its defense. 



